WHEREAS:

Millions of new patients under the Affordable Care Act are entering the market, and doctor shortages are stretching the capacity of the U.S. health care system; and

WHEREAS:

Both public and private employers are working to reduce the number of permanent health care employees, especially those with experience, while increasing the number of contracted positions; and

WHEREAS:

A diminished supply of quality doctors, including physicians, dentists and pharmacists, will be expected to service an expanding and aging group of patients; and

WHEREAS:

The low doctor-patient ratio poses a threat to the public's health; and

WHEREAS:

Nurses and other health care groups have successfully collectively bargained and passed legislation to improve nurse-patient ratios; and

WHEREAS:

A growing number of employed doctors are being organized into both public and private unions, and other self-employed doctors would benefit from collective bargaining.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME, its councils and local affiliates sponsor, support and encourage legislation designed to establish reasonable doctor-patient ratios and create collective bargaining opportunities for both employed and self-employed doctors.

SUBMITTED BY: Stuart A. Bussey, MD, JD, President and Delegate

Mubashir A. Farooqi, MD, Vice President and Delegate

Shakalpi R. Pendurkar, DDS, MPH, Secretary and Delegate

Alice To, Pharm. D, Delegate

AFSCME Local 206, Union of American Physicians and Dentists

California