Health and care facilities: information sharing.

Senator Arreguín's healthcare privacy legislation expands California's medical information protections to include immigration status while establishing new protocols for healthcare facilities' interactions with immigration enforcement authorities. The bill modifies the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act to classify immigration status and place of birth as protected medical information when collected by healthcare providers, health plans, or contractors.

The legislation requires healthcare facilities receiving public funding to implement specific procedures for handling immigration enforcement requests. Facilities must immediately notify management of any immigration enforcement attempts to access patient information or enter the premises. The bill prohibits access to non-public treatment areas for immigration enforcement purposes without a valid judicial warrant. Healthcare providers must also train staff on proper protocols for responding to immigration-related inquiries.

Healthcare entities have 45 days from the bill's effective date to establish visitor monitoring procedures and designate non-public areas where patient care and protected health information discussions occur. The requirements apply to public and private hospitals, clinics, physician organizations, and integrated health systems that receive public funding, though other providers are encouraged to adopt similar protections. The bill includes provisions ensuring that persons in lawful custody maintain access to medical care.