Medical devices stand in the front ranks of the fight against the coronavirus. For example, the FDA just approved a new process to sterilize and reuse surgical masks developed by Advanced Sterilization Products of Irvine.

I’m proud to say what is widely considered the Medical Devices Capital of the World is in my 37^th District of the California Senate, especially Irvine. Such are the benefits of attracting a University of California campus to the area.

In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to tour some impressive facilities. Edwards Lifesciences’ heart valves, made from animal tissue, simply are amazing.

Allergan also makes some remarkable medical devices, as well as such pharmaceuticals as Botox, which aside from its cosmetic uses also can treat migraines, severe neck spasms and abnormal heartbeats.

I also toured UCI MIND’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. It was especially poignant, because at the time, my late father was suffering from that ailment.

I bring this up because three bills I’ve authored would help these and other medical companies and research centers:

Senate Bill 990 is the AB 5 Emergency Suspension Act. AB 5 is the controversial bill that put severe restrictions on the independent contractor and gig economy. SB 990 would suspend it until 2022, by which time the coronavirus epidemic should be over with. AB 5’s full effects then could be analyzed and debated in a more neutral environment.

SB 990 would help Irvine medical device companies because, like most parts of the general economy, they depend on independent contractors. For example, such companies might need temporary translators for the exports of their devices to foreign markets. AB 5 could force the companies to hire translators full time, raising costs and restricting the translators’ own freedoms to work as they please.

Continuing higher costs imposed by Sacramento could make these great local medical companies consider moving to a more business-friendly state.

Senate Bill 1053 would enter California into the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an interstate agreement that provides licensing reciprocity for registered nurses.

Currently, nurses who move here from other states have to wait 10 to 12 weeks for a permanent license to practice.

RNs obviously are needed to help install and maintain medical devices. SB 1053 would make it easier for fully licensed RNs from other states to come here and work right away. Moreover, many nurses are married to military personnel stationed here temporarily, because the military commonly shifts troops to new assignments every few years. Such nurses also would be able to work right away in California.

Senate Bill 1054 is the Physical Therapist Licensure Compact (PT Compact). Those recovering from the coronavirus will be needing physical therapists, including help with adapting to the use of new medical devices. SB 1054 would allow physical therapists who are fully licensed in other states to come here and start practicing right away.

The Assembly already has reconvened and the state Senate soon will do so as well for a shortened session. These three bills deserve to gain bipartisan support and become law. They are directly related to fighting the coronavirus, and California’s recovery from it.

Science is the key to our fightback against the coronavirus. Which is why the politics must be correct to help the scientists – and keep them right here in Orange County.

John M.W. Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa, represents the 37^th District in the California Senate

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