Bill > SB588

This bill requires the Department of Health Care Access and Information to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on implementing freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) in rural, disadvantaged, and underserved areas with limited emergency care access. The bill defines a freestanding emergency department as a separate facility providing 24/7 emergency services, staffed by qualified emergency physicians, licensed by the state, and receiving equivalent reimbursement to hospital-based emergency departments. The study will identify areas with limited emergency care, review FSED models from other states, assess financial sustainability, analyze existing legal restrictions, and evaluate how FSEDs could improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The department must collaborate with rural health organizations, healthcare districts, Medi-Cal administrators, and community representatives. An unspecified amount will be appropriated from the General Fund to support the study, and the department must submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, with findings and recommendations. The provisions of this bill will be repealed on January 1, 2031, ensuring a time-limited approach to exploring the potential of freestanding emergency departments in California.

Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB588