Bill > SB81

This bill amends California law to strengthen protections for patients' medical information, particularly regarding immigration status. The bill expands the definition of "medical information" to explicitly include immigration status and place of birth, and defines "immigration enforcement" broadly to cover both civil and criminal federal immigration efforts. It prohibits health care providers, health care service plans, and contractors from disclosing medical information for immigration enforcement purposes without patient authorization. The bill requires health care provider entities to establish procedures for monitoring and documenting visitors, and mandates that personnel immediately notify management of any immigration enforcement requests. Healthcare facilities must designate certain areas as nonpublic and cannot allow access to these areas for immigration enforcement without a valid judicial warrant or court order. Personnel must be trained on how to respond to such requests, and the bill applies to public and many private healthcare providers. The legislation aims to create a safe environment for patients to seek medical care without fear of immigration-related consequences, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable families and children. The bill takes effect immediately as an urgency statute, reflecting the perceived immediate need to protect patient confidentiality and access to healthcare services.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB81