Proposition 23 explained

Taking a look at proposition 23.

You've probably seen the commercials.

It's the measure addressing kidney dialysis.

More specifically, it would place restrictions on clinics that provide kidney dialysis to the 80- thousand people in california who need that life- saving procedure.

So here are the basics of what it would do if passed.

It would require kidney dialysis clinics to have at least one physician present during all operating hours.

Those clinics must report infection data to the state and not just the federal government.

Also, operators that decide to close a clinic -- would need approval from the state's health department to do that.

And it would prohibit clinics from discriminating against patients based on insurance type.

It's actually backed by a big labor union representing health care workers.

The same union put a similar kidney dialysis measure on the 2018 ballot but voters rejected it.

Supporters of prop 23 say for- profit companies have not invested enough in patient safety.

Though all clinics have a staff physician, proponents say patient safety demands there be a physician on location at all times should an emergency arise.

Opponents say the current data reporting system is just fine and that forcing clinics to have a licensed physician on duty at all times would unnecessarily drive up costs.

Opponents say tha* would lead to reduced hours or even force some clinics to close.

So, a yes vote means you approve of those new requirements for kidney dialysis clinics.

A no vote means the system in place should remain.

You can