Opinion ID: 2819793
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Application of Rational Basis Review

Text: Because the rules at issue are neutral and generally applicable, we review them for a rational basis. Guam v. Guerrero, 290 F.3d 1210, 1215 (9th Cir. 2002); Miller, 176 F.3d at 1206. Under rational basis review, we must uphold the rules if they are rationally related to a legitimate governmental purpose. Gadda v. State Bar of Cal., 511 F.3d 933, 938 (9th Cir. 2007). Plaintiffs “have the burden to negat[e] every conceivable basis which might support [the rules],” FCC v. Beach Commc’ns, Inc., 508 U.S. 307, 315 (1993) (internal quotation marks omitted), a burden that they have failed to meet. The rules are rationally related to Washington’s legitimate interest in ensuring that its citizens have safe and timely access to their lawful and lawfully prescribed medications. Defendants’ stipulation regarding “facilitated referrals” does not change our conclusion. Whether facilitated referrals also further patients’ access to medication is irrelevant. On rational basis review, Plaintiffs still have the burden to negate the Commission’s chosen method for achieving that goal. Id. Because Plaintiffs have failed to meet that burden, the rules survive rational basis review. In sum, Plaintiffs’ free exercise claim fails. 13 As noted previously, the three complaints filed against entities other than Ralph’s are not comparable secular refusals because those entities experienced a temporary shortage and agreed to re-stock the medication. 38 STORMANS, INC. V. WIESMAN