January 16, 2025 – 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
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
A new law 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
Following complaints about covid-19 outbreaks, contaminated water, and poor food quality, a new law grants local health officials the authority to inspect privately run immigrant detention centers. 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 detailed insights, visit MedlegalNews.com and KFF Health News.
Source: KFF Health News