Section § 870

Explanation

This law requires certain medical boards in California to speed up the licensing process for medical professionals who plan to provide abortions. To qualify, applicants need to prove their intention by submitting a letter of intent and a letter from an employer or healthcare entity confirming their employment to provide abortions. However, the law does not change any other existing licensing requirements; applicants must still fulfill all the normal prerequisites.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 870(a) The Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, the Board of Registered Nursing, and the Physician Assistant Board shall expedite the licensure process for an applicant who demonstrates that they intend to provide abortions, as defined in Section 123464 of the Health and Safety Code, within the scope of practice of their license.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 870(b) An applicant shall demonstrate their intent to provide abortions by providing a letter declaring the applicant’s intention to provide abortions and a letter from an employer or health care entity indicating that the applicant has accepted employment or entered into a contract to provide abortions, the applicant’s starting date, the location where the applicant will be providing abortions, and that the applicant will be providing abortions within the scope of practice of their license in accordance with Sections 2253, 2725.4, and 3502.4, as applicable.
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 870(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as changing existing licensure requirements. An applicant applying for expedited licensure under subdivision (a) shall meet all applicable statutory and regulatory licensure requirements.