Medi-Cal: Adverse Childhood Experiences trauma screenings: providers.

Assembly Member Arambula's proposal to expand Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) trauma screenings under Medi-Cal would authorize community health workers and doulas to conduct these assessments, adding new provider types to the state's existing screening framework. The California Department of Health Care Services would recognize community-based organizations, local health jurisdictions employing community health workers, and doulas as qualified providers eligible for Medi-Cal reimbursement when conducting ACEs screenings.

The measure establishes specific conditions for these newly authorized providers to receive payment. Providers must make clinical or other appropriate referrals based on screening results. The department would update both its website and the ACEs Aware portal to reflect these additional provider categories, while maintaining current reimbursement rates established under existing law.

Implementation depends on federal approval of a state plan amendment and continued federal financial participation. The department may execute these changes through provider manuals, bulletins, notices, and policy letters rather than formal regulatory procedures. This approach allows for administrative implementation while preserving federal matching funds for the Medi-Cal program.