What is prop 46?

Prop 46 was a ballot initiative that was voted on in California in November 2014. The proposition was a package of reforms aimed to increase regulations for doctors and hospitals. Prop 46 included three major provisions:

1. Drug and Alcohol Testing of Doctors: Prop 46 would have required healthcare providers to undergo drug and alcohol testing and report any positive tests to the California Medical Board.

2. Increased Medical Malpractice Damage Caps: Prop 46 aimed to increase the damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice cases. The current damages were capped at $250,000 under California law since 1975.

3. Mandated Use of Prescription Drug Database: Prop 46 would have required healthcare providers to check a patient's prescription drug history in a statewide database before prescribing opioids and other potentially dangerous drugs.

Unfortunately, Prop 46 did not pass and was rejected by approximately 67% of the voters in California.