We’re ready to strike until Kaiser
fixes its mental healthcare system
In 2023, Kaiser Permanente was fined a record $50 million for violating the
rights of its patients to receive the mental health treatment they are
entitled to under California law. Kaiser was ordered to “transform” its
behavioral healthcare system. But it still hasn’t produced a state-mandated
plan to correct its deficiencies and Kaiser won’t work with its mental health
professionals to end the inequities that harm patients and providers alike.
In 2023, Kaiser Permanente was fined a record $50 million for violating the rights of its patients to receive the mental health treatment they are entitled to under California law. Kaiser was ordered to “transform” its behavioral healthcare system. But it still hasn’t produced a state-mandated plan to correct its deficiencies and Kaiser won’t work with its mental health professionals to end the inequities that harm patients and providers alike.
The Largest Mental Health
Fine in California History
The Largest Mental Health Fine in California History
● Triggered by a sharp increase in patient complaints, state investigators launched an investigation that found Kaiser lacks the necessary staff and resources to meet the needs of its patients and has a dysfunctional grievance system that violates the rights of patients who have been wrongly denied care.
● While Kaiser claims to be making progress, its caregivers report that they still don’t have enough time to finish their work. In a union survey, caregivers reported that appointment wait times have increased over the past year, and they still often schedule treatment appointments further into the future than clinically appropriate.
Southern California Patients and
Providers Are Getting Shortchanged
Southern California Patients and Providers Are Getting Shortchanged
Kaiser is investing more mental health resources in Northern California, and more overall resources into its non-mental health workforce.
● Dangerous Staffing Levels. Kaiser staffs 40 percent fewer mental health therapists in Southern California than Northern California, forcing SoCal patients to wait longer for care or go outside the Kaiser system of integrated care. In Southern California, Kaiser staffs approximately 1 therapist for every 3,000 Kaiser members. Meanwhile in Northern California, Kaiser staffs approximately 1 therapist for every 2,000 Kaiser members.
● Inadequate Patient Care Time. Kaiser therapists in Southern California get only half as much time for critical patient care duties like responding to patient calls and emails and tailoring individualized treatment plans to help patients in their recovery.
● No Pensions, High Turnover. Kaiser mental health therapists in Southern California are virtually the only Kaiser employees who don’t get a pension and they’re paid up to 40 percent less than non-mental health Kaiser employees whose jobs require less training and education — leading to high rates of turnover that disrupts patient care.
So Far, Kaiser Has Rejected Caregiver
Proposals to End the Inequity
Kaiser can’t transform its behavioral healthcare system until it starts treating its patients and providers fairly in Southern California. But despite reporting $31 billion in profits since 2018, Kaiser has rejected the following proposals in contract negotiations:
Safe Staffing Levels
to reduce dangerously long appointment wait times and get patients the care they need.
More Time for Patient Care Duties
that can’t be performed during appointments, so patients get the full spectrum of care they need.
Equal Pay & Pensions
that reflect the importance of behavioral health care.
TELL KAISER TO
End The Inequity
Kaiser’s unequal treatment of mental health care results in burnout and high turnover rates that disrupt patient care. In 2022, mental health therapists in Northern California waged a 10-week strike that led to significant gains for caregivers and patients, but not before Kaiser cancelled 111,803 therapy appointments.
Don’t let Kaiser force a strike in Southern California. Show your support for the psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and therapists who are fighting to make Kaiser respect their profession and their patients. Sign their petition.
In an emergency or in need of immediate help, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
