California Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 636, which would have required doctors performing utilization review (UR) for private employers to be licensed by the California Medical Board.

While the Governor acknowledged the bill’s goal of enhancing accountability in the UR process, he vetoed the bill, citing insufficient data to justify such a licensing requirement. 

In the veto letter, he emphasized that existing laws already ensure oversight and accountability for UR organizations. Additionally, the Governor expressed concern that the bill could result in unequal treatment between private and public employees, reduce the availability of qualified reviewers, delay access to medical care, and increase administrative burdens.