Reproductive Health Emergency Preparedness Program.

Assembly Members Krell and Petrie-Norris propose establishing the Reproductive Health Emergency Preparedness Program to expand reproductive and sexual health services in California emergency departments, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized providers. The program would operate through competitive grants administered by the Department of Health Care Access and Information in partnership with California-based organizations experienced in reproductive healthcare technical assistance.

The legislation authorizes participating emergency departments to use grant funding for specific purposes, including provider education, clinical fellowships, mentorship services, and implementation of medication abortion services. Funded activities also encompass developing coordinated care protocols between medical specialties and building internal capacity for pregnancy loss management. The department must establish minimum standards and procedures for awarding grants based on applicants' plans to increase reproductive healthcare access.

The program would take effect upon securing either legislative appropriations or private funding sources. All provisions sunset on January 1, 2030, unless extended through subsequent legislation. The bill's findings note that emergency departments often serve as primary access points for pregnancy-related care in areas with provider shortages, positioning them as key venues for expanding reproductive health services.