The California legislature is considering a bill that would require companies to employ independent contractors who perform work directly related to the company's main product or service, reports Capital Public Radio.
The bill, AB 5, aims to help independent contractors gain more benefits, like healthcare coverage, paid time off and retirement funds, according to the report. However, Capital Public Radio notes not all healthcare workers want to give up the flexibility of being an independent contractor for these benefits. While the California Nurses Union supports AB 5, the California Hospital Association has been critical of the bill, according to the report.
Historically, hospitals in California have been prohibited from employing physicians. That ban would continue under the new bill, which grants exceptions to physicians, dentists and podiatrists, according to the report. More healthcare workers, such as nurse anesthetists, therapists, optometrists and social workers, are also seeking exemptions.
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