EDITORIAL: Vote no on Prop. 8, a threat to dialysis patients

Oct. 24--On the surface, Proposition 8 looks like a well-intended measure seeking to improve dialysis patient care. But upon even the most cursory of reviews, the measure is revealed to be nothing more than a cynical attempt by a labor union to accomplish what it couldn't through the Legislature.

The measure, backed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, seeks to impose a cap on dialysis center revenues at 115 percent of specified "direct patient care services" and "health care quality improvement costs." Revenues above the 115 percent cap would have to be rebated to insurance companies.

Supporters insist this limit "pushes dialysis corporations to invest some of those profits to improve patient care." But the means by which supporters of Prop. 8 seek to improve patient care strikes us as a bizarre and counterproductive way of achieving that end.

As the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office notes, the measure could have the effect of preventing some owners and operators of dialysis clinics from opening up new centers and could even result in some dialysis clinics being closed.

Supporters from the union dismissed this concern to our editorial board on the vague grounds that the LAO is merely hedging its bets by citing one potentially negative outcome of the measure. But it's a concern that should be taken very seriously.

By placing an artificially constructed cap on revenues, there will certainly be a bad impact on needed dialysis clinics across the state. Closures of existing clinics, and any slowdown in the opening of new clinics, would force patients into choosing between fewer and fewer options.

Unsurprisingly, the measure has drawn strong opposition from a wide range of groups, including the California Medical Association, the Renal Support Network and the California Hospital Association, which note that dialysis clinics in California are already well-regulated and that any effort that leads to closures will be to the detriment of patients.

If improving patient safety and care are the true goals, we have a legislative process for that which is more adaptable and responsive than a ballot measure. We urge voters to look past the hollow promises of Prop. 8 and vote no.

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