Emergency services available during natural disasters.

Assembly Member Bains' proposal to enhance emergency preparedness for vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities would establish a state-level working group to develop comprehensive evacuation and sheltering recommendations. The California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary would coordinate this effort with seven state departments and offices, including the Department of Aging, Emergency Medical Services Authority, and Office of Emergency Services, along with stakeholders representing facility operators, staff, residents, local governments, foundations, and researchers.

The working group would examine best practices for protecting older adults and persons with disabilities during natural, technological, and human-caused disasters, with particular focus on mutual aid evacuations. By July 2027, the Secretary must submit the group's recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, including specific statutory and regulatory changes needed for implementation. The recommendations would address gaps in current emergency response protocols for long-term care facilities while building on existing oversight from the State Department of Public Health and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection program.

The measure includes a sunset provision that would repeal these requirements on January 1, 2030, allowing for evaluation of the working group's impact. The bill requires no new appropriations, indicating implementation would occur through existing departmental resources and staff capacity.