Bill > SB297

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing valley fever, a significant public health concern in California, particularly in arid regions. The bill requires the State Department of Public Health to annually analyze and identify regions with elevated rates of valley fever, publishing the first list of high-incidence regions by March 1, 2027. Starting January 1, 2028, healthcare providers in these high-incidence regions will be required to screen adult patients for valley fever, offering diagnostic testing if initial screenings suggest further investigation is needed. Health insurance plans and Medi-Cal will be mandated to cover valley fever screenings and tests without cost-sharing in these regions. Local health departments in high-incidence areas must conduct outreach to healthcare providers and the public about valley fever risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies, and annually report confirmed cases to the state. The bill also requires the department to evaluate the effectiveness of the valley fever screening and prevention program every two years, beginning in 2030, and report findings to the Legislature. Healthcare providers are protected from disciplinary actions or liability if they determine, based on professional judgment, that screening is not appropriate in a specific case. The overall goal is to improve early detection, reduce medical and economic burdens, and protect the health of Californians in high-risk areas.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB297