New California Laws: Expanding Access to Healthcare and Holding Providers Accountable

In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility and accountability, Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several new laws aimed at improving medical services for Californians. These laws, which will take effect over the next few years, address a range of issues from fertility treatments to maternal health, and from substance abuse care to accessibility for the visually impaired. Here’s a closer look at these transformative measures.

Accessibility to Fertility Treatments

One of the most impactful laws is the expansion of access to fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Under this new mandate, large insurance companies are required to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, which now includes a maximum of three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers. This change is particularly significant for the LGBTQ+ community and same-sex couples, as the definition of “infertility” has been broadened to encompass individuals who cannot reproduce without medical intervention.

The law is expected to benefit millions of Californians, making fertility treatments more affordable and accessible. As a result, healthcare professionals anticipate an increase in families seeking these services. The law will officially take effect in July 2025, marking a pivotal moment for reproductive rights in the state.

Chemicals in Tampons

In a groundbreaking move for women’s health, California will ban the sale of menstrual products, including tampons, that contain potentially toxic chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This law mandates that the Department of Toxic Substances Control establish regulations by January 1, 2029, requiring manufacturers to provide detailed product information and register with the department.

Manufacturers who violate these regulations will face fines, with all collected penalties directed to the T.A.M.P.O.N. Act Fund. This legislation aims to protect women from harmful chemicals in products that are essential for their health and well-being.

Addressing Maternal Mortality Among Black Women

In an effort to combat racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant healthcare, California has introduced a law requiring medical facilities to conduct evidence-based implicit bias training for healthcare professionals. This law builds on existing requirements for perinatal care providers and introduces new enhancements, including mandatory reporting of training adherence to the state Attorney General’s office.

Current healthcare providers must complete their training by June 1, 2025, while new providers are required to do so within six months of their start date. Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D., emphasized the importance of this training, noting that concerns raised by individuals of color, particularly Black individuals, are often not taken seriously during childbirth.

Alzheimer’s Disease Support

Recognizing the growing number of Californians affected by Alzheimer’s disease, a package of twelve bills has been signed into law to improve care for patients and their families. These laws mandate training for healthcare and law enforcement officials on how to interact with individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, autism, and dementia. Additionally, healthcare professionals who primarily work with older patients will be required to pursue continuing education in geriatrics and dementia care.

With projections indicating that one in four Californians will be aged 60 or older by 2030, these laws are crucial for enhancing the quality of aging services in the state.

Expanding Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

California is also expanding the range of facilities that can provide treatment for individuals on temporary conservatorship for substance use disorders. Previously limited to psychiatric health facilities, the new law allows mental health rehabilitation centers to offer 24-hour inpatient care for those with severe substance use disorders. This flexibility will enable treatment centers to manage their resources more effectively, increasing the number of available hospital beds for patients in need.

Accessible Prescription Labels

In a significant step toward inclusivity, pharmacy dispensers are now required to provide accessible prescription medication labels for patients who are blind or have low vision. These labels can be offered in various formats, including large print, braille, or through text-to-speech technology. This legislation, sponsored by the California Council of the Blind, aims to ensure that all patients can understand their medication instructions, thereby promoting safety and adherence to prescribed treatments.

Breast Milk Bank Accessibility

Finally, a new law aims to ensure that families can access donor breast milk for their infants, regardless of their insurance coverage. This law classifies donor milk as essential under commercial insurance, aligning it with Medi-Cal standards. The legislation is particularly important for infants born at low birth weights, as pasteurized donor human milk is a vital nutritional source. By easing the regulatory burden on hospitals and shifting it to accredited milk banks, the law facilitates greater access to this critical resource.

Conclusion

These new laws represent a significant step forward in California’s commitment to improving healthcare access and accountability. By addressing critical issues such as fertility treatments, maternal health disparities, and the needs of aging populations, California is setting a precedent for other states to follow. As these laws come into effect, they hold the potential to transform the healthcare landscape, ensuring that all Californians receive the care they deserve.