Bill > SB338

This bill establishes the Virtual Health Hub for Rural Communities Pilot Program, designed to improve healthcare access for farmworkers in rural areas. The program will create virtual health hubs in two rural communities, which are mobile or portable facilities equipped with computers, Wi-Fi, virtual visit cubicles, and telemedicine exam rooms. The State Department of Public Health will administer the program by funding grants to community organizations to deploy these hubs, with a focus on providing virtual connections to healthcare providers, mental health services, and educational resources. The bill is motivated by significant health disparities among farmworkers, including high rates of uninsured individuals, chronic health conditions, and limited healthcare access due to transportation challenges and work constraints. Notably, the program will be funded exclusively through private donations, gifts, and grants, with a strict prohibition on using General Fund money. By January 1, 2027, the department must report the program's outcomes to the Legislature. The bill draws inspiration from the successful Farmworker Health Equity Express Bus program and aims to address health inequities, particularly among Latino farmworkers who face disproportionate health challenges and often have limited English proficiency and educational opportunities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB338