Bill > AB2138

This bill mandates that all providers offering Enhanced Care Management (ECM), a program within Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program for low-income individuals) designed to provide comprehensive care for those with complex health and social needs, must include at least one peer support specialist on their interdisciplinary care team. A peer support specialist is defined as an individual with lived experience of mental illness, substance use disorder, homelessness, or other challenges, who uses that experience to help others in their recovery. The bill outlines specific functions for these specialists, such as engaging members, supporting their self-advocacy, and helping them navigate various services. Importantly, the bill prohibits disqualifying a peer support specialist solely or primarily based on a criminal background check, though an individual's criminal record can still be considered as part of their overall fitness for the role, and this provision is subject to federal law and specific exceptions for certain settings or federal requirements. The bill also requires the Department of Health Care Services to ensure that Medi-Cal managed care plans and providers comply with these new requirements, contingent on receiving necessary federal approvals and maintaining federal funding.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2138