Bill > SB497

This bill aims to protect individuals seeking or providing gender-affirming health care from potential legal actions by other states. It prohibits California healthcare providers, health plans, and other entities from releasing medical information related to gender-affirming care in response to out-of-state subpoenas or investigations that seek to impose civil, criminal, or disciplinary liability based on another state's laws. The bill specifically prevents sharing data about gender-affirming care or sensitive medical services with out-of-state agencies, law enforcement, or other entities that might use the information to pursue legal action against patients or providers. The legislation also modifies the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) to prevent sharing prescription data that could be used in interstate investigations targeting gender-affirming care. Additionally, the bill makes it a misdemeanor for unauthorized individuals to access the CURES database or for authorized users to share information with unauthorized parties. The bill is designed to protect transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, their families, and healthcare providers from potential harassment or legal persecution related to gender-affirming medical treatments, and it takes effect immediately due to the urgent need to preserve legal protections for this community.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB497