Drug-Induced Movement Disorder Awareness Program.

Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez's proposal for a Drug-Induced Movement Disorder Awareness Program directs the California Department of Public Health to develop educational initiatives addressing medication-induced movement disorders that can occur during mental health treatment. The program would provide evidence-based information about screening protocols and symptom identification, while working to reduce stigma faced by affected individuals.

The legislation requires the Department to implement the program by January 2028, contingent upon state or federal funding appropriation. Program components include educating healthcare providers and the public about risk factors associated with antipsychotic medications, which can cause involuntary movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia. The Department may consult with the Department of Health Care Services and the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission during implementation.

The bill's findings note that movement disorders can persist even after medication changes and may be mistaken for public safety concerns, highlighting the need for broader awareness. The program would remain active through January 2032, at which point it would be automatically repealed unless renewed by subsequent legislation. This builds upon existing Department of Public Health programs focused on disease prevention and health promotion.