Bill > AB2194

This bill introduces new governance and oversight rules for the Orange County Health Authority, commonly known as CalOptima, which is the local agency that administers Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program providing health care services to low-income residents) in Orange County. Specifically, the legislation establishes staggered terms of office ranging from one to four years for the members of CalOptima's governing body for terms starting after January 1, 2027, while prohibiting most voting members from serving more than two consecutive terms or staying in that capacity for more than ten consecutive years. Additionally, the bill institutes strict conflict-of-interest procedures and places a one-year post-service lobbying and employment ban on former board members. Furthermore, the legislation requires CalOptima to fund and complete an independent external audit of its governance practices, conflict policies, contracting procedures, and executive-versus-board responsibilities by July 1, 2027, with the resulting report and any necessary corrective action plans to be publicly accessible and submitted to the state Legislature.