
In this episode we collectively discuss California Senate Bill 351 (SB 351), a proposed legislative effort aimed at strengthening the state's Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) and Corporate Practice of Dentistry (CPOD) doctrines. This bill specifically targets private equity groups and hedge funds, seeking to prevent their interference in clinical judgment and control over operational aspects within healthcare practices. It introduces explicit prohibitions on activities such as determining patient volume, hiring clinical staff based on competency, and controlling patient records, while also voiding non-compete clauses in most related contracts. Furthermore, SB 351 grants the California Attorney General enhanced authority for direct enforcement, transforming previous persuasive guidance into mandatory legal requirements and thereby increasing legal and financial risks for non-compliant entities. The sources also detail the bill's legislative progression, noting strong support and a high likelihood of enactment, which would require significant adjustments to existing agreements and future investment strategies for affected healthcare entities.