Beth Cappell

"It is not acceptable to put the lives of Californians at risk," said Beth Cappell, a state health-care consultant for the Service Employees International Union, which represents hospital workers.

Beth Cappell, a lobbyist for SEIU, said licensed vocational nurses play a major role in patient care.They can write charts, give medication and perform other tasks."LVNs and RNs should work together as a team," she said.