SEPTEMBER 2020 PULSE
In September, NUHW members helped persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a major mental health reform bill, rallied with registered nurses to demand stronger COVID-19 safeguards at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, continued pushing for mandatory COVID-19 testing following the release of a scathing state investigation into lax COVID protocols at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, won a new 10-month contract at Children’s Hospital Oakland, and participated in our first remote Leadership Conference. Check out the stories below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too. *Please note that any group photo without masks was taken prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Governor signs mental health parity bill, SB 855
The landmark bill requires private insurers to cover medically necessary treatments for all mental health and substance use disorders recognized in the standard clinical manuals. Read more.
NUHW members and nurses hold joint rally at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
The rally, which included several elected officials, was organized in response to a recent COVID-19 outbreak at the hospital. Read more.
NUHW members blow the whistle on Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
In response to a complaint filed by NUHW members, the California Department of Public Health issued a 33-page report that cited the hospital for “systemic” infection control violations. Read more.
Making the case to COVID-test prisoners and their caregivers
NUHW President Sal Rosselli wrote a commentary in the San Francisco Bay View calling on California officials to test all caregivers and incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities. Read the commentary.
Professional workers at Children’s Hospital Oakland win new contract
Workers, including pharmacists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and audiologists, will receive 3 percent raises this year. Read more.
NUHW stewards attend virtual Leadership Conference
More than 200 stewards participated in NUHW’s first-ever all-virtual Leadership Conference. Read more.
News of the Month
Read our roundup of the latest labor and healthcare news from top media outlets.
NUHW offering online continuing education courses
Need CE units? Check out our online courses for members in licensed and certified job classifications. Learn more.