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Bill > SB297


CA SB297

Valley Fever Screening and Prevention Act of 2025.


summary

Introduced
02/10/2025
In Committee
06/05/2025
Crossed Over
05/28/2025
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act to amend Section 122475 of, to add Sections 1316.8 and 1367.57 to, to add the heading of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 122475) to Part 7.7 of Division 105 of, and to add Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 122480) to Part 7.7 of Division 105 of, the Health and Safety Code, to add Section 10123.25 to the Insurance Code, and to add Section 14132.13 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to public health.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the Valley Fever Screening and Prevention Act of 2025, aims to address valley fever, a significant public health concern in California, particularly in arid regions. The bill requires the State Department of Public Health to annually identify high-incidence regions for valley fever and publish the first list by March 1, 2027. Starting January 1, 2028, adult patients in these high-risk areas must be offered a valley fever screening test during primary care visits, with provisions for follow-up care if the test is positive. The bill mandates that health care service plans and health insurance policies cover these screening tests without cost-sharing, beginning June 1, 2027. Local health departments in high-incidence regions will be required to conduct outreach, raise awareness about valley fever risks, and report confirmed cases annually. The Medi-Cal program will also be required to cover valley fever screening tests in high-incidence regions, subject to federal approvals. The State Department of Public Health must evaluate the effectiveness of the screening and prevention program every two years and report findings to the Legislature. Importantly, healthcare providers who fail to comply with the screening requirements will not face disciplinary actions or liability, emphasizing the bill's focus on implementation and public health awareness rather than punitive measures.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Coms. on HEALTH and JUD. (on 06/05/2025)

bill text


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