Bill > AB1356

This bill, known as John's Law, amends the existing Health and Safety Code to enhance reporting and investigation procedures for deaths in licensed alcohol and drug abuse treatment facilities. Currently, the State Department of Health Care Services is responsible for investigating resident deaths, with facilities required to submit a telephonic report within one working day and a written report within seven calendar days. The bill adds a new requirement that facilities must submit any additional relevant information discovered within 30 days of the initial incident. Furthermore, if the department identifies any violations during its death investigation, it must now issue a written notice of deficiency to the facility, specifying instructions to address those violations. The bill also explicitly authorizes the department to implement and interpret these provisions through administrative communications like all-county letters or provider bulletins without going through formal regulatory processes. The goal appears to be improving transparency, accountability, and follow-up in investigating deaths at alcohol and drug treatment facilities.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1356