A new bill introduced in the California Senate would fine hospitals for having severely intoxicated patients arrested instead of treating them in emergency rooms. SB 145, sponsored by Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, claims a subgroup of hospitals are calling law enforcement to have drunk patients taken into custody before making sure they are medically stabilized. "(It will) insure that the hospitals are held accountable that patients are truly stable before they leave the emergency room," Pan said. The California Hospital Association said it hasn't yet taken a position on the bill, but does have concerns.
