Health and care facilities: information sharing.

Senator Arreguín's medical privacy legislation expands California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act to classify immigration status and place of birth as protected medical information when collected by healthcare providers. The bill prohibits healthcare entities from disclosing this information for immigration enforcement purposes without patient authorization or specific legal requirements.

The legislation requires healthcare facilities that receive public funding to establish new protocols for monitoring facility access and responding to immigration enforcement requests. Providers must designate treatment areas and locations where protected health information is discussed as nonpublic spaces, restricting access unless authorized by a valid judicial warrant or court order. Staff must immediately notify facility management of any immigration enforcement-related requests for access to sites, patients, or documents.

Healthcare entities have 45 days from the bill's effective date to implement visitor monitoring procedures, designate nonpublic areas, and train personnel on handling immigration enforcement requests. The requirements apply to public and private hospitals, clinics, physician organizations, and integrated health systems that receive public funds, while other providers are encouraged to adopt similar practices. The bill includes provisions ensuring that persons in lawful custody maintain access to medical care and facilities.