Medical Practice Act: health care providers: qualified autism service paraprofessionals.

Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, establishes the Medical Board of California and charges it with administrative and enforcement duties related to the provision of medical services under the act. Existing law establishes requirements for the delivery of medical services, including via telehealth by specified health care providers. A violation of the act is a crime. Under existing law, a "health care provider," for purpose of the act, includes a qualified autism service provider or a qualified autism service professional that is certified by a national entity, as specified. This bill would expand that definition of "health care provider" to also include a qualified autism service paraprofessional. By expanding the scope of a crime under the act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.