January 16, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com — New California Laws: As the nation prepares for potential policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, California, the most populous state and largest health care market, is bracing for its own set of adjustments.
With supermajorities in both legislative houses, California Democrats passed significant health-related laws. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed these laws, which take effect this year. They include measures to erase medical debt from credit reports, inspect immigrant detention centers, and mandate health insurance coverage for fertility services, such as in vitro fertilization.
Key Legislative Changes in California
Medical Debt Relief
Under the New California Laws enacted for 2025, California is now the eighth state where medical debt will not impact patients’ credit reports or scores. SB 1061 prevents health care providers and debt collectors from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit bureaus. Supporters argue that this law helps patients avoid penalties for seeking essential care, which could otherwise affect job opportunities, car purchases, or mortgage approvals.
Opponents, including the California Association of Collectors, labeled the bill a “tremendous overreach.” They successfully lobbied for amendments that narrowed the bill’s scope, such as excluding medical debt incurred via credit cards.
Extended Psychiatric Hospital Stays for Violent Offenders
Among the New California Laws taking effect this year, one extends the time violent offenders with severe mental illnesses can be held after a judge orders their release from state mental hospitals. Officials and law enforcement now have 30 days to arrange housing, medication, and treatment, compared to the previous five-day deadline. This change followed a high-profile San Francisco case involving a violent offender released shortly before committing another crime.
Ban on PFAS in Cosmetics
California has banned PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” in cosmetics. These synthetic compounds are linked to various health risks, including cancer and birth defects. Industry representatives argue for the necessity of PFAS in some products, asserting that certain levels can be safe.
Inspections of Immigration Detention Facilities
Among the New California Laws addressing public health and oversight, one grants local health officials the authority to inspect privately run immigrant detention centers following complaints about covid-19 outbreaks, contaminated water, and poor food quality. SB 1132 aims to ensure these facilities comply with health regulations regarding ventilation, health care, and food safety. The GEO Group, which operates several centers, has challenged the law, claiming it infringes on federal authority.
AI in Health Care Decisions
Concerns over AI use by insurance companies to deny necessary care have led to new legislation. SB 1120 mandates that only licensed physicians or qualified health care providers, after reviewing a patient’s history, can decide on the necessity of treatments.
Expanded Sick Leave and Time Off
New laws, SB 1105 and AB 2499, extend circumstances under which California workers can use sick leave. These include emergencies like heat, smoke, or flooding and assisting family members facing domestic violence.
Accessible Prescription Labels for the Visually Impaired
Pharmacies are now required to provide drug labels in Braille, large print, or audio formats for visually impaired patients. This law ensures better monitoring of prescriptions and dosages by blind patients.
Enhanced Maternal Mental Health Screenings
Health insurers must increase maternal mental health screenings to detect perinatal depression more effectively. Pregnant individuals will undergo screenings during pregnancy and postpartum.
Stricter Penalties for Threatening Health Care Workers
California has heightened penalties for threatening or targeting abortion clinic providers and patients. Offenders now face felony charges, with up to three years in jail and $50,000 in fines for repeat offenses.
IVF Coverage Expansion
Starting in July, larger state-regulated health plans must cover fertility services, including in vitro fertilization. Governor Newsom has requested delaying the law’s implementation to 2026 for further consideration of adding infertility treatments to mandatory insurance benefits.
For more information, read the KFF Health News.
Stay informed on new California legislation, DWC updates, and workers’ compensation reforms — subscribe now at MedLegalNews.com for expert insights and breaking updates.
🔗 Read More from MedLegalNews.com:
- CWCI’s 61st Annual Meeting Registration Now Open
- Dermatologicals Become the Costliest Drug Group in California Workers’ Compensation
- Costco Prevails in Disability Discrimination Case
- DWC Now Accepting Applications for Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) Examination Scheduled for April 5-11
- DWC Enhances Online Education Modules for Workers’ Compensation Community
FAQS: Understanding the New California Laws 2025
What are the key New California Laws 2025 addressing medical debt?
SB 1061 prohibits reporting unpaid medical bills to credit agencies, ensuring medical debt no longer impacts patients’ credit scores in California.
How do the New California Laws 2025 regulate AI in health care?
Under SB 1120, only licensed medical professionals can make treatment decisions — preventing insurance companies from using AI alone to deny care.
What worker protections are included in the New California Laws 2025?
California expanded paid sick leave and time off through SB 1105 and AB 2499, covering emergencies like wildfires, floods, or domestic violence situations.
How do the New California Laws 2025 affect detention center oversight?
SB 1132 authorizes local health officials to inspect privately run immigrant detention centers to enforce sanitation and safety compliance.