Under existing law, the State Department of Public Health is responsible for the licensing and regulation of various facilities and settings that provide health care services, as specified. Existing law, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act prohibits, except to the extent expressly authorized by a patient, enrollee, or subscriber, or as otherwise permitted or required, a provider of health care, health care service plan, contractor, or corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates from disclosing medical information for immigration enforcement. Existing law requires health care provider entities, as defined, to establish or amend procedures for monitoring, documenting, and receiving visitors to health care provider entities to the extent possible, and prohibits, unless required by state or federal law, a health care provider entity and its personnel from allowing any person access to nonpublic areas of the provider's facilities for immigration enforcement purposes, except as specified. This bill would, among other things, require a health care provider entity to, when there is a patient accompanied by an immigration enforcement officer, verify and document the identities and agencies of the accompanying immigration enforcement officers, to the extent possible. The bill would require a health care provider entity to ask an immigration enforcement officer to step out of the patient's room when discussing any matters pertaining to patient care, or performing any physical examination, or providing any medical care, except as specified, would prohibit an immigration enforcement officer from having any authority to make, influence, or participate in medical decisions on behalf of patient they accompany, and would require the health care provider entity personnel to report a refusal to comply with the requirements of this bill to the health care provider entity management, administration, or legal counsel, who is required to then document the actions, and, to the extent possible, the name and badge number of an immigration enforcement officer. The bill would also prohibit a health care provider entity from using blackout policies when admitting a patient who is accompanied by an immigration enforcement officer, except as specified, and defines blackout policies to mean any policy that is used by health care provider entities to conceal a patient's presence or identity at the entity's facility, including, but not limited to, registering patients under a pseudonym, removing the patient's name from the health care provider entity's directory, or prohibiting personnel from confirming that a patient is in the health care provider entity.
This Senate Resolution designates the week of May 10 to May 16, 2026, as Hospital Week in California to honor the state's hospitals and their staff. The measure recognizes the vital role hospitals play in providing care, training medical professionals, and supporting the local economy across rural, suburban, and urban areas. By officially acknowledging these institutions, the resolution aims to highlight their importance during National Hospital Week without changing any laws or policies.
This bill designates April 2026 as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in California. It directly affects state officials and the public by formally recognizing the importance of raising awareness for this specific health condition. The primary mechanism is a legislative proclamation that appears in the state statutes to mark the month. This action serves as an official acknowledgment of the disease without changing laws or funding.
This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month in California to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The measure calls on the public and government officials to support research funding, advocate for better access to medical equipment, and stand in solidarity with patients and their families. While the resolution does not change laws or allocate specific funds, it serves to raise awareness about the disease's impact and the need for continued clinical trials and treatment development.
Senate Resolution 103 designates the first full week in May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in California. This proclamation aims to raise public and medical awareness about tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that can occur in people taking antipsychotic medications for mental health conditions. The resolution emphasizes the importance of early detection and routine screening for this condition, which affects a significant portion of patients who may be undiagnosed. By highlighting these issues, the bill encourages healthcare providers and patients to prioritize regular check-ups and education regarding the risks and symptoms associated with long-term antipsychotic use.
This measure would designate the week of March 15, 2026, to March 21, 2026, inclusive, as Family Physician Week, recognize the invaluable contributions of family physicians to California's health care system, and encourage continued investment in primary care to strengthen the family medicine workforce.
Senate Resolution 79 designates the week of March 8 through March 14, 2026, as Sleep Health Awareness Week in California. This symbolic measure aims to highlight the importance of adequate sleep for public health and encourages healthcare providers, educators, and parents to promote better sleep habits. The resolution also supports the goals of the National Sleep Foundation's annual awareness campaign and calls on citizens to discuss their sleep with medical professionals.
This Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in California to promote education and early detection of the disease. The bill highlights the importance of screening, noting that timely tests can prevent colorectal cancer, which is a leading cause of death and disproportionately affects certain demographic groups. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate aims to encourage the public to learn about the risks and benefits of getting screened. The resolution also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the document to the sponsoring legislator for distribution.
Senate Resolution 82 declares February 2026 as Children's Dental Health Month in California to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. The resolution highlights that tooth decay is a major public health issue affecting many children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and notes that untreated dental problems can lead to missed school days and learning difficulties. While acknowledging recent improvements in access to Medi-Cal dental services, the bill emphasizes the need for continued efforts to prevent cavities through education and preventive care. This measure serves as a symbolic recognition rather than establishing new laws or funding, aiming to encourage policymakers and the public to focus on childhood oral health.
The Personal Income Tax Law allows various credits against the tax imposed by that law. This bill, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2031, would allow a credit against those taxes in an amount equal to 50% of unreimbursed costs paid or incurred by a taxpayer for the purchase of durable medical equipment, as defined, for use by a qualifying dependent, as defined, during the taxable year. The bill would limit the credit to $5,000 per taxable year for each qualifying dependent. Existing law requires any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure to contain, among other things, specific goals that the tax expenditure will achieve, detailed performance indicators, and data collection requirements. This bill also would include additional information required for any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.
