2020 California Proposition 23

Proposition 23, officially the Protect the Lives of Dialysis Patients Act Initiative, is a California ballot proposition that appeared on the ballot for the general election on November 3, 2020.^[1] The proposition would increase regulations in Californian dialysis clinics, requiring them to have on-site physicians during treatment, report data on infections that might have been caused by dialyses, seek permission from the government of California prior to closing a clinic and strengthening anti-discrimination protections for dialysis patients.^[2]

Proposition 23

November 3, 2020 (2020-11-03)
Protect the Lives of Dialysis Patients Act Initiative
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 6,161,109 36.58% No 10,683,606 63.42%
Against   70%–80%   60%–70%   50%–60%

An overwhelming majority of California voters rejected this measure, by a margin of 63% to 37%, a margin of 26 percentage points.^[3]

Background

Among other regulations, discrimination against patients on the basis of the source of payment for their care would be explicitly outlawed.^[4]

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver outlined many of the problems inherent in the dialysis industry in California.^[5]

Polling

In order to pass, it needs a simple majority (>50%).

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size[a]	Margin of error	For Proposition 23	Against Proposition 23	Undecided
SurveyUSA	September 26–28, 2020	588 (LV)	± 5.4%	49%	23%	28%

See also

• SEIU United Healthcare Workers West § Ballot propositions
• 2018 California Proposition 8 – Ballot measure on kidney dialysis clinic regulation
• 2022 California Proposition 29

Notes

1. Key:
   A – all adults
   RV – registered voters
   LV – likely voters
   V – unclear