AB 657: Healing arts: expedited licensure process: applicants providing abortions.

Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, establishes the Medical Board of California to license and regulate the practice of medicine. The Osteopathic Act establishes the Osteopathic Medical Board of California to enforce those provisions of the Medical Practice Act relating to persons holding or applying for physicians and surgeons certificates issued by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. The Nursing Practice Act establishes the Board of Registered Nursing to license and regulate the practice of nursing. The Physician Assistant Practice Act establishes the Physician Assistant Board to license and regulate physician assistants. Existing law makes it a crime to perform an abortion without holding a license to practice as a physician and surgeon or holding a specified license or certificate under the Nursing Practice Act or Physician Assistant Practice Act that authorizes the holder to perform specified functions necessary for an abortion.

This bill would require the Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, the Board of Registered Nursing, and the Physician Assistant Board to expedite the licensure process of an applicant who can demonstrate that they intend to provide abortions within their scope of practice and would specify the documentation an applicant would be required to provide to demonstrate their intent. The bill would set forth legislative findings and declarations relating to the bills provisions.