Health facilities: freestanding emergency center study.

Senator Ochoa Bogh's proposal for evaluating freestanding emergency departments aims to address emergency care access in California's rural and underserved areas through a comprehensive feasibility study. The Department of Health Care Access and Information would examine potential implementation of these facilities, which would operate independently from hospitals while providing 24/7 emergency services with qualified physicians and medical staff.

The mandated study encompasses multiple dimensions of freestanding emergency department implementation, including identification of areas with limited emergency care access, analysis of existing models from other states, and assessment of financial sustainability options. The department must evaluate current legal frameworks that affect these facilities and examine how they could serve vulnerable populations. The research process requires collaboration with rural health organizations, healthcare districts, Medi-Cal administrators, and community representatives from affected areas.

The legislation establishes specific operational criteria for potential freestanding emergency departments, including requirements for state licensing, transfer agreements with higher-level care facilities, and reimbursement parity with hospital-based emergency departments. The department must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 1, 2027. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund for the study, with provisions automatically repealing on January 1, 2031 unless extended by subsequent legislation.