text: Any community child health and disability prevention program may contract to furnish services to any other county if the contract is approved by the director.


kind: section

code: HSC

text:
(a) On or before September 15 of each year, each county program director shall submit a budget update for the subsequent fiscal year that provides the following information:

(1) A summary of the previous year’s activity, including the number of children screened, the number of children referred for diagnosis and treatment, by condition, and the cost of screening services.

(2) A summary description of the results of cases in that a treatable disability was identified and referral made.

(3) A projection and cost estimates of the number of children to be screened for the fiscal year for which the budget is being submitted.

(b) The multiyear base community child health and disability prevention plan shall include the following:

(1) An assessment of the adequacy and availability of the facilities and providers to provide health screening diagnostic and treatment services.

(2) A description of the child health and disability prevention program to be offered, including expected participating providers and outreach mechanisms to be utilized.

(3) A summary description of the current year’s activity, including the number of children screened, the number of children referred for diagnosis and treatment, by condition, and the cost of screening services.

(4) A description of how existing school health resources, including school health personnel, are to be utilized for outreach and other services.

(5) Budget estimates, including all sources of revenue, for the budget.

(c) On or before September 15 of each year each governing board shall submit an update to the multiyear base community child health and disability prevention plan.

The director shall determine the amount of state funds available for each county for specified services under an approved multiyear base community child health and disability prevention plan, as updated, from state funds appropriated for child health and disability prevention services.

If the amount appropriated in the Budget Act for the fiscal year as enacted into law differs from the amount in the budget submitted by the Governor for the fiscal year, each governing board shall submit an additional revised update in the form and at the time specified by the department.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, no new community child health and disability prevention plan shall be submitted by a county until September 15, 1983. Each county plan and budget approved for the 1981–82 fiscal year shall be updated on or before September 15 by the governing body of each county for the 1982–83 and 1983–84 fiscal years pursuant to regulations adopted by the department. On or before September 15, 1983, the governing body of each county shall prepare and submit to the department a multiyear base plan and budget for the 1984–85 fiscal year that shall be annually updated on or before September 15 of each subsequent year pursuant to regulations adopted by the department.

The department shall develop and implement the format and procedures for the preparation and submission of a multiyear base plan update in order for the counties to have sufficient time prior to September 15, 1983, to prepare and submit their multiyear base plan by September 15, 1983.

For the purposes of simplifying and reducing plan requirements, the Legislature intends that the annual update shall not duplicate any of the material in the multiyear base plan, but serve as a progress report both evaluating what has been accomplished over the past year and describing in more detail what will be accomplished in relation to each of the elements in the base plan during the coming year.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1996. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2024, pursuant to Section 124110.5. Repealed January 1 following the inoperative date.)

chapter: 3. Child Health

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 6. Child Health And Disability Prevention Program


text:
Counties shall be reimbursed for the amount required by the county to carry out its community child health and disability prevention program in accordance with the approved community child health and disability prevention plan. Claims for state reimbursement shall be made in the manner as the director shall provide. Each claim for state reimbursement shall be payable from the appropriation made for the fiscal year when the expenses upon which the claim is based are incurred.

There shall be no reimbursement for expenditures for the treatment of disabilities identified as a result of the program or for capital improvements or the purchase or construction of buildings, except for the equipment items and remodeling expenses as may be allowed by regulations adopted by the director.

division: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT)

part: 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH

article: 6. Child Health And Disability Prevention Program


text:
Counties shall be reimbursed for the amount required by the county to carry out its community child health and disability prevention program in accordance with the approved community child health and disability prevention plan. Claims for state reimbursement shall be made in a manner as the director shall provide. Each claim for state reimbursement shall be payable from the appropriation made for the fiscal year in which the expenses upon which the claim is based are incurred.

There shall be no reimbursement for expenditures for the treatment of disabilities identified as a result of the program, except for the costs of immunizations necessary to bring the child current in his or her immunization status as provided for by regulations of the department, or for capital improvements or the purchase or construction of buildings, except for the equipment items and remodeling expenses as may be allowed by regulations adopted by the director.


text:
(a) In order to ensure the maximum utilization of the California Medical Assistance Program and other potential reimbursement sources, the department shall develop a schedule and method of reimbursement at reasonable rates for services rendered pursuant to this article. The reimbursement schedule shall include provision for well child examinations as well as for administrative expenses incurred by providers pursuant to meeting this article. Inquiry shall be made of all recipients of services under this article as to their entitlement for third-party reimbursement for medical services. Where an entitlement exists it shall be billed. Notwithstanding subdivision (c) of Section 14000 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and Section 14005 of that code, the California Medical Assistance Program shall be billed for services rendered pursuant to this article for every Medi-Cal eligible beneficiary.

(b) The department and counties shall maximize the use of federal funds for carrying out this article, including using state or county funds to match funds claimable under Title 19 of the Social Security Act. Services and administrative support costs claimable under federal law shall include, but not be limited to, outreach, health education, case management, resource development, and training at state and local levels. Any federal funds received shall augment and not replace funds appropriated from the General Fund for carrying out the purposes of this article.


text: The department may contract with a private entity for the performance of processing claims for state reimbursement, so long as the cost of the contract is no more than 85 percent of the cost of the service if performed in state service and there is compliance with other applicable provisions of the Government Code including, but not limited to, Sections 19130 to 19132, inclusive.


text: On and after July 1, 1976, each child eligible for services under this article shall, within 90 days after entrance into the first grade, provide a certificate approved by the department to the school where the child is to enroll documenting that within the prior 18 months the child has received the appropriate health screening and evaluation services specified in Section 124040. A waiver signed by the child’s parents or guardian indicating that they do not want or are unable to obtain the health screening and evaluation services for their children shall be accepted by the school in lieu of the certificate. If the waiver indicates that the parent or guardian was unable to obtain the services for the child, then the reasons why should be included in the waiver.


text:
Any child between birth and 90 days after entrance into the first grade and all persons under 21 years of age who are eligible for the California Medical Assistance Program shall be eligible for services from the child health and disabilities prevention program in the county where they are a resident. The department, with review and recommendation by the board, shall adopt regulations specifying age groups that shall be given certain types of screening tests and recommendations for referral.

The first source of referral shall be the child’s usual source of health care. If referral is required and no regular source of health care can be identified, the facility or provider providing health screening and evaluation services shall provide a list of three qualified sources of care, without prejudice for or against any specific source.


text: Each community child health and disability prevention program shall provide the child or his or her parent or guardian with a copy of the results of the health screening and evaluation, as well as an explanation of the meaning of the results, and shall, where the need indicates, refer the child for further diagnosis and treatment.


text:
(a) In cooperation with the county child health and disability prevention program, the governing body of every school district or private school that has children enrolled in kindergarten shall provide information to the parents or guardians of all children enrolled in kindergarten of this article and Section 120475.

(b) Each county child health and disability prevention program shall reimburse school districts for information provided pursuant to this section. The Superintendent of Public Instruction may withhold state average daily attendance funds to any school district for any child for whom a certification or parental waiver is not obtained as required by Section 124085.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 895, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2005. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2024, pursuant to Section 124110.5. Repealed January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Hughes Children’s Health Enforcement Act.”

(b) The Legislature recognizes the importance of health to learning and to a successful academic career. The Legislature also recognizes the important role of schools in ensuring the health of pupils through health education and the maintenance of minimal health standards among the pupil population. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that schools ensure that pupils receive a health screening before the end of the first grade.

(c) The governing board of each school district shall exclude from school, for not more than five days, any first grade pupil who has not provided either a certificate or a waiver, as specified in Section 124085, on or before the 90th day after the pupil’s entrance into the first grade. The exclusion shall commence with the 91st calendar day after the pupil’s entrance into the first grade, unless school is not in session that day, then the exclusion shall commence on the next succeeding schoolday. A child shall not be excluded under this section if the pupil’s parent or guardian provides to the district either a certificate or a waiver as specified in Section 124085.

(d) The governing board of a school district may exempt any pupil from the exclusion described in subdivision (c) if, at least twice between the first day and the 90th day after the pupil’s entrance into the first grade, the district has contacted the pupil’s parent or guardian and the parent or guardian refuses to provide either a certificate or a waiver as specified in Section 124085. The number of exemptions from exclusion granted by a school district pursuant to this subdivision may not exceed 5 percent of a school district’s first grade enrollment. It is the intent of the Legislature that exemptions from exclusion be used in extraordinary circumstances, including, but not limited to, family situations of great dysfunction or disruption, including substance abuse by parents or guardians, child abuse, or child neglect.

(e) It is the intent of the Legislature that, upon a pupil’s enrollment in kindergarten or first grade, the governing board of the school district notify the pupil’s parent or guardian of the obligation to comply with Section 124085 and of the availability for low-income children of free health screening for up to 18 months prior to entry into first grade through the Child Health Disabilities Prevention Program.

(f) It is the intent of the Legislature that school districts provide information to parents regarding the requirements of Section 124085 within the notification of immunization requirements. Moreover, the Legislature intends that the information sent to parents encourage parents to obtain health screenings simultaneously with immunizations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 895, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2005. Conditionally inoperative on or after July 1, 2024, pursuant to Section 124110.5. Repealed January 1 following the inoperative date.)


text:
All information and results of the health screening and evaluation of each child shall be confidential and shall not be released without the informed consent of a parent or guardian of the child.

The results of the health screening and evaluation shall not be released to any public or private agency, even with the consent of a parent or guardian, unless accompanied by a professional interpretation of what the results mean.


text: This article shall become inoperative on July 1, 2024, or on the date certified by the department pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 124024, whichever date is later, and shall be repealed on January 1 of the year following the inoperative date.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 47, Sec. 18. (SB 184) Effective June 30, 2022. Conditionally repealed as prescribed by its own provisions. Note: Repeal affects Article 6 commencing with Section 124024.)


text:
(a) The Newborn Eye Pathology Screening Task Force is established and shall advise the State Department of Health Services on the newborn eye pathology screening protocol.

(b) The task force shall be composed of the following 12 members:

(1) The Director of Health Services as a nonvoting ex officio member.

(2) The 11 voting members shall be appointed by the Director of Health Services as follows:

(A) One ophthalmologist with a background in or knowledge of providing services to infants with retinoblastoma.

(B) One pediatric ophthalmologist who sees general pediatric patients and is a designee of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

(C) One academic pediatrician with a background in or knowledge of infant eye pathology screening.

(D) One parent representing families with a child with blindness or other ocular abnormalities affecting vision.

(E) One representative from the California Academy of Family Physicians.

(F) One representative recommended by the State Department of Health Services.

(G) One representative from the American Academy of Pediatrics, California District.

(H) One community pediatrician with a background in or experience with the routine instillation of dilating eye drops as part of red reflex screening.

(I) One nurse with a background in or knowledge of the current department program for the instillation of eye drops to prevent conjunctivitis.

(J) One retinal specialist with research experience in detecting the signs of treatable congenital eye disease.

(K) One optometrist with a background in or experience with pupil dilation in infants and red reflex screening for intraocular pathology.

(c) Task force members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of the task force.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 325, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 6.4. Newborn Eye Pathology Screening

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 6.4. Newborn Eye Pathology Screening


text:
(a) On or before June 30, 2002, the department shall adopt the protocol developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to optimally detect the presence of treatable causes of blindness in infants by two months of age. If a protocol is not developed on or before June 30, 2002, the department, in consultation with representatives of the Newborn Eye Pathology Task Force, shall establish a protocol to optimally detect the presence of treatable causes of blindness in infants by two months of age on or before January 1, 2003.

(b) If the American Academy of Pediatrics develops a protocol to optimally detect the presence of treatable causes of blindness by two months of age after the adoption of the protocol developed by the department, the department shall conform its protocol to the protocol adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

(c) Nothing in the section shall be construed to supersede the clinical judgment of the licensed health care provider.

(d) Any screening examination recommended pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not be conducted on a newborn if a parent or guardian of the newborn objects to the examination on the grounds that the examination conflicts with the religious beliefs or practices of the parent or guardian.

article: 6.4. Newborn Eye Pathology Screening


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited as, the Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening, Tracking and Intervention Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 310, Sec. 23. Effective August 19, 1998.)

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 6.5. Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening, Tracking, and Intervention Program


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) Hearing loss occurs in newborns more frequently than any other health condition for which newborn screening is currently required.

(2) Early detection of hearing loss, early intervention, and followup services before six months of age, have been demonstrated to be highly effective in facilitating the development of a child’s health and communication and cognitive skills.

(3) The State of California supports the National Healthy People 2000 goals, which promote early identification of children with hearing loss.

(4) Children of all ages can receive reliable and valid screening for hearing loss in a cost-effective manner.

(5) Appropriate screening and identification of newborns and infants with hearing loss will facilitate early intervention during this critical time for development of communication, and may, therefore, serve the public purposes of promoting the healthy development of children and reducing public expenditure for health care and special education and related services.

(b) The purposes of this article shall be to do all of the following:

(1) Provide early detection of hearing loss in newborns, as soon after birth as possible, to enable children who fail a hearing screening and their families and other caregivers to obtain needed confirmatory tests or multidisciplinary evaluation, or both, and intervention services, at the earliest opportunity.

(2) Prevent or mitigate delays of language and communication development that could lead to academic failures associated with late identification of hearing loss.

(3) Provide the state with the information necessary to effectively plan, establish, and evaluate a comprehensive system of appropriate services for parents with newborns and infants who have a hearing loss.

article: 6.5. Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening, Tracking, and Intervention Program


text:
As used in this article:

(a) “Birth admission” means the time after birth that the newborn remains in the hospital nursery prior to discharge.

(b) “CCS” means the California Children’s Services program administered through the State Department of Health Services.

(c) “Department” means the State Department of Health Services.

(d) “Followup services” means all of the following:

(1) All services necessary to diagnose and confirm a hearing loss.

(2) Ongoing audiological services to monitor hearing.

(3) Communication services, including, but not limited to, aural rehabilitation, speech, language, social, and psychological services.

(4) Necessary support of the infant and family.

(e) “Hearing loss” means a hearing loss of 30 decibels or greater in the frequency region important for speech recognition and comprehension in one or both ears (from 500 through 4000 Hz). However, as technology allows for changes to this definition through the detection of less severe hearing loss, the department may modify this definition by regulation.

(f) “Infant” means a child 29 days through 12 months old.

(g) “Intervention services” means the early intervention services described in Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1475 et seq.).

(h) “Newborn” means a child less than 29 days old.

(i) “Newborn hearing screening services” means those hearing screening tests that are necessary to achieve the identification of all newborns and infants with a hearing loss.

(j) “Parent” means a natural parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of a child.


text:
(a) (1) Every general acute care hospital with licensed perinatal services in this state shall administer to every newborn, upon birth admission, a hearing screening test for the identification of hearing loss, using protocols approved by the department or its designee.

(2) In order to meet the department’s certification criteria, a general acute care hospital shall be responsible for developing a screening program that provides competent hearing screening, utilizes appropriate staff and equipment for administering the testing, completes the testing prior to the newborn’s discharge from a newborn nursery unit, refers infants with abnormal screening results, maintains and reports data as required by the department, and provides physician and family-parent education.

(b) A hearing screening test provided for pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be performed by a licensed physician, licensed registered nurse, licensed audiologist, or an appropriately trained individual who is supervised in the performance of the test by a licensed health care professional.

(c) Every general acute care hospital that has not been approved by the California Children’s Services (CCS) program and that has licensed perinatal services that provide care in fewer than 100 births annually shall, if it does not directly provide a hearing screening test, enter into an agreement with an outpatient infant hearing screening provider certified by the department to provide hearing screening tests.

(d) This section shall not apply to any newborn whose parent or guardian objects to the test on the grounds that the test is in violation of his or her beliefs.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 335) by Stats. 2007, Ch. 130, Sec. 176. Effective January 1, 2008.)


text: The department or its designee shall approve hospitals for participation as newborn hearing screening providers. These facilities shall then receive payment from the department for the newborn hearing screening services provided to newborns and infants eligible for the Medi-Cal or CCS programs in accordance with this article.


text: The department or its designee shall provide every general acute care hospital that has licensed perinatal services, or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), as specified in Section 123975, written information on the current and most effective means available to screen the hearing of newborns and infants, and shall provide technical assistance and consultation to these hospitals in developing a system of screening each newborn and infant receiving care at the facility. The information shall also include the mechanism for referral of newborns and infants with abnormal test results.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 335, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007. Operative January 1, 2008, by Sec. 5 of Ch. 335.)


text:
(a) The department shall establish a system of early hearing detection and intervention centers that shall provide technical assistance and consultation to hospitals in the startup and ongoing implementation of a facility hearing screening program and followup system.

(b) The early hearing detection and intervention centers shall be chosen by the department according to standards and criteria developed by the California Children’s Services (CCS) program. Each center shall be responsible for a separate geographic catchment area as determined by the program.

(c) Each center shall be required to develop a system that shall provide outreach and education to hospitals in its catchment area, approve hospitals on behalf of the department for participation as newborn hearing screening providers, maintain a database of all newborns and infants screened in the catchment area, ensure appropriate followup for newborns and infants with an abnormal hearing screening, including diagnostic evaluation and referral to intervention services programs if the newborn or infant is found to have a hearing loss, and provide coordination with the CCS and local early intervention programs as defined in Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 335, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007. Operative January 1, 2008, by Sec. 5 of Ch. 335.)


text:
(a) The department shall develop and implement a reporting and tracking system for newborns and infants tested for hearing loss.

(b) The system shall provide the department with information and data to effectively plan, establish, monitor, and evaluate the Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening, Tracking and Intervention Program, including the screening and followup components, as well as the comprehensive system of services for newborns and infants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and their families.

(c) Every general acute care hospital with licensed perinatal services, or NICU in this state shall report to the department or the department’s designee information as specified by the department to be included in the department’s reporting and tracking system.

(d) All providers of audiological followup and diagnostic services provided under this article shall report to the department or the department’s designee information as specified by the department to be included in the department’s reporting and tracking system.

(e) The information compiled and maintained in the tracking system shall be kept confidential in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 10850) of Part 1 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the Information Practices Act of 1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code), and the applicable requirements and provisions of Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1475 et seq.).

(f) Data collected by the tracking system obtained directly from the medical records of the newborn or infant shall be for the confidential use of the department and for the persons or public or private entities that the department determines are necessary to carry out the intent of the reporting and tracking system.

(g) A health facility, clinical laboratory, audiologist, physician, registered nurse, or any other officer or employee of a health facility or laboratory or employee of an audiologist or physician, shall not be criminally or civilly liable for furnishing information to the department or its designee pursuant to the requirements of this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 335, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2007. Operative January 1, 2008, by Sec. 5 of Ch. 335.)


text: Parents of all newborns and infants diagnosed with a hearing loss shall be provided written information on the availability of community resources and services for children with hearing loss, including those provided in accordance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.), through the reporting and tracking system followup procedures. Information shall include listings of local and statewide nonprofit deaf and hard-of-hearing consumer-based organizations, parent support organizations affiliated with deafness, and programs offered through the State Department of Social Services, Office of Deaf Access, State Department of Developmental Services, and the State Department of Education.


text: The department may conduct a community outreach and awareness campaign to inform medical providers, pregnant women, and the families of newborns and infants on the availability of the newborn hearing screening program and the value of early hearing testing. The outreach and awareness campaign shall be conducted by an independent contractor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1161, Sec. 14. Effective September 30, 2002.)


text: A newborn hearing screening test shall not be performed without the written consent of the parent.


text: For purposes of this article, “CCHD” means critical congenital heart disease.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 336, Sec. 2. (AB 1731) Effective January 1, 2013.)

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 6.6. Newborn Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Program


text:
(a) (1) Beginning July 1, 2013, a general acute care hospital that has a licensed perinatal service shall offer to parents of a newborn, prior to discharge, a pulse oximetry test for the identification of CCHD.

(2) The State Department of Health Care Services shall issue guidance stating that hospitals perform this test in a manner consistent with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for CCHD screening.

(3) A hospital described in paragraph (1) shall be responsible for developing a screening program that provides competent CCHD screening, utilizes appropriate staff and equipment for administering the testing, completes the testing prior to the newborn’s discharge from a newborn nursery unit, refers infants with abnormal screening results for appropriate care, maintains and reports data as required by the department, and provides physician and family-parent education.

(b) A pulse oximetry test provided for pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be performed by a licensed physician, licensed registered nurse, or an appropriately trained individual who is supervised in the performance of the test by a licensed health care professional.

(c) This section shall not apply to a newborn whose parent or guardian objects to the test on the grounds that the test is in violation of his or her beliefs.

article: 6.6. Newborn Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Program


text:
(a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that childhood lead exposure represents the most significant childhood environmental health problem in the state today; that too little is known about the prevalence, long-term health care costs, severity, and location of these problems in California; that it is well known that the environment is widely contaminated with lead; that excessive lead exposure causes acute and chronic damage to a child’s renal system, red blood cells, and developing brain and nervous system; that at least one in every 25 children in the nation has an elevated blood lead level; and that the cost to society of neglecting this problem may be enormous.

(b) The Legislature further finds and declares that knowledge about where and to what extent harmful childhood lead exposures are occurring in the state could lead to the prevention of these exposures, and to the betterment of the health of California’s future citizens. Therefore, the enactment of this article establishes a state Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. The department shall accomplish all of the following:

(1) Compile information concerning the prevalence, causes, and geographic occurrence of high childhood blood lead levels.

(2) Identify and target areas of the state where childhood lead exposures are especially significant.

(3) Analyze information collected pursuant to this article and, where indicated, design and implement a program of medical followup and environmental abatement and followup that will reduce the incidence of excessive childhood lead exposures in California.

(4) Work, as necessary, with the State Department of Health Care Services to advance lead testing of children enrolled in Medi-Cal.

(c) (1) By March 1, 2019, and by March 1 of each year thereafter, the department shall prepare and prominently post on its Internet Web site information that evaluates the department’s progress in meeting the goals of this section. The information shall also include all of the following:

(A) An annually updated analysis of the data and information identified and compiled relative to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b).

(B) To the greatest extent possible, a list of the census tracts in which children test positive at a rate higher than the national average for blood lead in exceedance of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s reference level for elevated blood lead based on the data and information received during the previous calendar year.

(C) The report developed pursuant to Section 105295.

(2) All uses and disclosures of data made pursuant to this section shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws for the protection of the privacy and security of data, including, but not limited to, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Part 2.6 (commencing with Section 56) of Division 1 of the Civil Code), the Information Practices Act of 1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code), Title 1.81 (commencing with Section 1798.80) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-191), and the federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, Title XIII of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5), and implementing regulations.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 690, Sec. 5. (SB 1041) Effective January 1, 2019.)

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 7. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act


text:
(a) A laboratory that performs a blood lead analysis on a specimen of human blood drawn in California shall report the information specified in this section to the department for each analysis on every person tested.

(b) (1) The analyzing laboratory shall report all of the following:

(A) The test results in micrograms of lead per deciliter.

(B) The name of the person tested.

(C) The person’s birth date.

(D) The person’s address, including the ZIP Code, and telephone number.

(E) The name, address, telephone number, and National Provider Identifier (NPI) of the health care provider that ordered the analysis.

(F) The name, address, telephone number, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) number, and NPI of the analyzing laboratory.

(G) The accession number of the specimen.

(H) The date the analysis was performed.

(I) The person’s Medi-Cal client identification number (CIN) or, for other health plans, the name of the health plan and the medical plan identification number.

(J) The person’s sex.

(K) The person’s race and ethnicity.

(L) The person’s pregnancy status.

(M) The name, address, and telephone number of the person’s employer, if any.

(N) The date the specimen was drawn.

(O) The source of the specimen, specified as venous, capillary, arterial, cord blood, or other.

(P) The name, address, telephone number, and CLIA number of the referring laboratory, if any.

(Q) The testing methodology used for blood lead analysis specified as point of care, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, graphite furnace atomic spectroscopy, or other.

(2) The changes made to this subdivision by the act adding this paragraph shall become operative on July 1, 2023.

(c) The analyzing laboratory may report to the department other information that directly relates to the blood lead analysis or to the identity, location, health care management, or environmental management of the person tested.

(d) If the result of the blood lead analysis is a blood lead level equal to or greater than the most recent federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reference level for an elevated blood lead level (BLL), the report required by this section shall be submitted within three working days of the analysis. If the result is less than the CDC reference level for an elevated BLL, the report required by this section shall be submitted within 30 calendar days of the analysis. Timing of reporting shall be based on rounding of results to the nearest whole number.

(e) A report required by this section shall be submitted by electronic transfer.

(f) All information reported pursuant to this section shall be confidential, as provided in Section 100330, except that the department may share the information as follows:

(1) To the individual to whom the information pertains.

(2) With the prior written voluntary consent of the individual to whom the information pertains or the person authorized to give consent on behalf of the individual, such as a child’s parent or guardian.

(3) When required by state or federal law.

(4) When compelled by an order of the court or an administrative hearing officer, if a protective order that prohibits any further disclosure is secured prior to disclosure.

(5) For the purpose of surveillance, case management, coordination of care, investigation, environmental assessment, environmental remediation, or abatement with the local health department, environmental health agency authorized pursuant to Section 101275, building department, health care providers treating patients with elevated blood levels or receiving case management services, or a federal, state, or local governmental agency.

(6) For research, as defined in Part 46 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as may be amended, if the request for information is approved by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) for the California Health and Human Services Agency, the requesting entity provides documentation to the department that demonstrates, to the department’s satisfaction, that the entity has established the procedures and ability to maintain the confidentiality of the information, and the requesting entity has agreed, in writing, to maintain the confidentiality of the information.

(7) With the State Department of Health Care Services for the purpose of determining whether children enrolled in Medi-Cal are being screened for lead poisoning and receiving appropriate related services.

(g) (1) The State Department of Health Care Services and health care providers may further disclose the information reported pursuant to this section to a managed health care plan in which a beneficiary who is the subject of the information is enrolled, who may further disclose this information to the beneficiary’s health care provider to proactively offer and coordinate care and treatment services and administer payment programs.

(2) The local health department, environmental health agency, building department, researcher, or federal, state, or local governmental entity shall not further disclose the information and shall otherwise maintain the confidentiality of the information in the manner provided in Section 100330.

(3) Notwithstanding any other law, a disclosure authorized pursuant to this section, except to the State Department of Health Care Services and to health care providers, shall include only the information necessary for the stated purpose of the requested disclosure, be used only for the approved purpose, and not be further disclosed.

(4) The State Department of Health Care Services and health care providers shall use, disclose, and maintain the confidentiality of information shared with it pursuant to this subdivision in accordance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as may be amended, and pursuant to regulations promulgated thereto, and other laws applicable to information in possession of the State Department of Health Care Services and health care providers.

(h) The director may assess a fine up to five hundred dollars ($500) against a laboratory that knowingly fails to meet the reporting requirements of this section.

(i) A laboratory shall not be fined or otherwise penalized for failure to provide the patient information required by this section if the result of the blood lead analysis is a blood lead level less than the most recent CDC reference level for an elevated BLL and if all of the following circumstances exist:

(1) The test sample was sent to the laboratory by another health care provider.

(2) The laboratory requested the information from the health care provider who obtained the sample.

(3) The health care provider who obtained the sample and sent it to the laboratory failed to provide the patient’s information.

(j) A laboratory shall request from the health care provider who obtained the blood sample or ordered the test all information required by this section, as applicable. If the health care provider cannot, or will not, provide the requested information, the laboratory is not required to report the information.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 528, Sec. 1. (AB 2326) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 7. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act


text:
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the activities conducted by the department pursuant to Section 124130 have confirmed and supported the findings specified in Section 124125 and, in addition, have resulted in the following findings:

(a) Very few children are currently tested for elevated blood lead levels in California. The lead registry established pursuant to Section 124130 has been effective at identifying incidents of occupational lead poisoning; however, because childhood lead screening is not now required in California, the registry is unable to serve as the exclusive mechanism to identify children with elevated blood lead levels. Additional blood lead screening needs to be done to identify children at high risk of lead poisoning.

(b) Based on emerging information about the severe deleterious effects of low levels of lead on children’s health, the lead danger level is expected to continue to be lowered.

(c) Lead poisoning poses a serious health threat for significant numbers of California children. Based on lead registry reports and targeted screening results, the department has estimated that tens of thousands of California children may be suffering from blood lead levels greater than the danger level.

(d) The implications of lead exposure to children and pregnant women from lead brought home on the clothing of workers are unknown, but may be significant.

(e) Levels of lead found in soil and paint around and on housing constitute a health hazard to children living in the housing. No regulations currently exist to limit allowable levels of lead in paint surfaces in California housing.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 507, Sec. 8. (AB 1316) Effective January 1, 2018.)


text: The department shall use an electronic database consistent with the goals outlined in Section 124125 to support electronic laboratory reporting of blood lead tests reported pursuant to Section 124130, management of lead-exposed children, and assessment of sources of lead exposures.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 507, Sec. 9. (AB 1316) Effective January 1, 2018.)


text:
(a) The department shall design and implement a screening program for lead exposure of children not older than seven years old in migrant labor camps where lead-based paint has been identified pursuant to Section 50710.5.

(b) The department may implement the screening program through the local health departments utilizing the department’s protocols. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may contract with a nonprofit organization to assist in administration of the program. The contract shall not be subject to competitive bidding requirements.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1996.)


text:
The department shall continue to direct the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to implement a program to identify and conduct medical followup of high-risk children, and to establish procedures for environmental abatement and followup designed to reduce the incidence of excessive childhood lead exposures in California. In implementing this program, the department shall utilize its own studies, as well as relevant information from the scientific literature and childhood lead poisoning programs from outside California. The particular activities specified in this section shall be initiated by January 1, 1990, and completed on or before January 1, 1993. The program shall include at least all of the following components:

(a) Lead screening. The department shall:

(1) Design and implement at least one pilot blood lead screening project targeting children at high risk of elevated blood lead levels. In designing any pilot projects, the department shall give special consideration to conducting screening through the Child Health Disability and Prevention Program.

(2) Conduct a pilot screening project to evaluate blood lead levels among children of workers exposed to lead in their occupations.

(3) Develop and issue health advisories urging health care providers to conduct routine annual screening of high-risk children between the ages of one and five years of age.

(4) Develop a program to assist local health departments in identifying and following up cases of elevated blood lead levels.

(5) Develop and conduct programs to educate health care providers regarding the magnitude and severity of, and the necessary responses to, the childhood lead poisoning problem in California.

(b) The department, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, shall adopt regulations governing the abatement of lead paint in and on housing, including, but not limited to, standards for enforcement, testing, abatement, and disposal.

(c) The department shall conduct a study to evaluate whether abatement of lead in soil is effective at reducing blood lead levels in children.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 193, Sec. 128. Effective January 1, 2005.)


text: After January 1, 1993, the department, through the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, shall continue to take steps that it determines are necessary to reduce the incidence of excessive childhood lead exposure in California.


text: The State Department of Health Services, in consultation with the State Department of Social Services and the appropriate federal agency or department, shall establish and implement appropriate education, preventative, and outreach activities, focusing on the new immigrant populations that traditionally practice female genital mutilation, for the purpose of informing members of those communities of the health risks and emotional trauma inflicted by this practice and informing those communities and the medical community of the prohibition and ramifications of Section 273.4 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 790, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 8. Female Genital Mutilation Prevention

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 8. Female Genital Mutilation Prevention


text:
(a) Except for an influenza vaccine described in subdivision (b), on and after July 1, 2006, a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury-containing vaccine or injected with a mercury-containing product that contains more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose.

(b) On and after July 1, 2006, a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury-containing influenza vaccine that contains more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose.

(c) The Secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency may exempt the use of a vaccine from this section if the secretary finds, and the Governor concurs, that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or other actual or potential public health emergency, including an epidemic or shortage of supply of a vaccine that would prevent children under three years of age and knowingly pregnant women from receiving the needed vaccine, makes necessary the administration of a vaccine containing more mercury than the maximum level set forth in subdivision (a), or subdivision (b) in the case of influenza vaccine. The exemption shall meet all of the following conditions:

(1) It shall not be issued for more than 12 months.

(2) At the end of the effective period of the exemption, the secretary may issue another exemption for up to 12 months for the same incident or public health emergency, if the secretary makes a determination that the exemption is necessary as set forth in this subdivision, the Governor concurs with the exemption, and the secretary notifies the Legislature and interested parties pursuant to paragraphs (3), (4), and (5).

(3) Upon issuing an exemption, the secretary and the Governor shall, within 48 hours, notify the Legislature about the exemption and about the secretary’s findings justifying the exemption’s approval.

(4) Upon request for an exemption, the secretary shall notify interested parties, who have expressed their interest to the secretary in writing, that an exemption request has been made.

(5) Upon issuing an exemption, the secretary shall, within seven days, notify interested parties, who have expressed their interest to the secretary in writing, about the exemption and about the secretary’s findings justifying the exemption’s approval.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 837, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 9. Mercury-containing Vaccines

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 9. Mercury-containing Vaccines


text:
The following definitions shall govern the construction of this article, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) “Program” means a Public School Health Center Support Program.

(b) “School health center” means a center or program, located at or near a local educational agency, that provides age-appropriate health care services at the program site or through referrals. A school health center may conduct routine physical, mental health, and oral health assessments, and provide referrals for any services not offered onsite. A school health center may serve two or more nonadjacent schools or local educational agencies.

(c) For purposes of this section, “local educational agency” means a school, school district, charter school, or county office of education if the county office of education serves students in kindergarten, or any grades from 1 to 12, inclusive.

(d) “Department” means the State Department of Public Health.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 381, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 3. Child Health > 10. Public School Health Center Support Program


text:
(a) The department, in cooperation with the State Department of Education, shall establish a Public School Health Center Support Program.

(b) The program, in collaboration with the State Department of Education, shall perform the following program functions:

(1) Provide technical assistance to school health centers on effective outreach and enrollment strategies to identify children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, the Medi-Cal program, the Healthy Families Program, or any other applicable program.

(2) Serve as a liaison between organizations within the department, including, but not limited to, prevention services, primary care, and family health.

(3) Serve as a liaison between other state entities, as appropriate, including, but not limited to, the State Department of Health Care Services, the Department of Managed Health Care, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board.

(4) Provide technical assistance to facilitate and encourage the establishment, retention, or expansion of, school health centers. For purposes of this paragraph, technical assistance may include, but is not limited to, identifying available public and private sources of funding, which may include federal Medicaid funds, funds from third-party reimbursements, and available federal or foundation grant moneys.

(c) The department shall consult with interested parties and appropriate stakeholders, including the California School Health Centers Association and representatives of youth and parents, in carrying out its responsibilities under this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 22, Sec. 71. (AB 75) Effective June 27, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 110 of Ch. 22.)

article: 10. Public School Health Center Support Program


text:
(a) The department shall establish standardized data collection procedures and collect data specified in subdivisions (c) and (d) from school health centers on an ongoing basis.

(b) The data collected pursuant to this section shall be submitted in a format determined by the department in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements for confidentiality and protected health information.

(c) Data collected pursuant to this section shall include the following:

(1) The name of the primary contact person, telephone numbers, including facsimile physical address, and the e-mail address, if applicable, for each school health center.

(2) The annual number of schoolage children receiving health services or mental health services from the school health center.

(3) The type and volume of services provided by the school health centers.

(4) The funding mechanisms used by the school health centers.

(5) Information on other programs offered by school health centers with an emphasis on preventative health services that address health issues unique to schoolage children, including, but not limited to, childhood obesity, asthma, immunizations against communicable diseases, and child and adolescent mental health disorders.

(d) To the extent feasible, the department shall collect data on health services provided at a local educational agency outside a school health center.

(e) This section shall be implemented only to the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose in the Budget Act or pursuant to the enactment of legislation subsequent to the addition of this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 334, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)


text:
The State Department of Education, in collaboration with the department, shall perform the following functions:

(a) Coordination of programs within the State Department of Education that support school health centers and programs within the State Department of Health Care Services, where appropriate.

(b) The provision of technical assistance to facilitate and encourage the establishment, retention, and expansion of school health centers in public schools. For purposes of this subdivision, “technical assistance” may include the provision of information to local educational agencies and other entities regarding the utilization of facilities, liability insurance, cooperative agreements with community-based providers, and other issues pertinent to school health centers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 22, Sec. 72. (AB 75) Effective June 27, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 110 of Ch. 22.)


text: The program, in collaboration with the State Department of Education, shall act as a liaison for school-based health centers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 110. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text:
The department shall establish a grant program within the Public School Health Center Support Program to provide technical assistance, and funding for the expansion, renovation, and retrofitting of existing school health centers, and the development of new school health centers, in accordance with the following procedures and requirements:

(a) A school health center receiving grant funds pursuant to this section shall meet or have a plan to meet the following requirements:

(1) Strive to provide a comprehensive set of services including medical, oral health, mental health, health education, and related services in response to community needs.

(2) Provide primary and other health care services, provided or supervised by a licensed professional, which may include all of the following:

(A) Physical examinations, immunizations, and other preventive medical services.

(B) Diagnosis and treatment of minor injuries and acute medical conditions.

(C) Management of chronic medical conditions.

(D) Basic laboratory tests.

(E) Referrals to and followup for specialty care.

(F) Reproductive health services.

(G) Nutrition services.

(H) Mental health services provided or supervised by an appropriately licensed mental health professional may include: assessments, crisis intervention, counseling, treatment, and referral to a continuum of services including emergency psychiatric care, community support programs, inpatient care, and outpatient programs. School health centers providing mental health services as specified in this section shall consult with the local county mental health department for collaboration in planning and service delivery.

(I) Oral health services that may include preventive services, basic restorative services, and referral to specialty services.

(3) Work in partnership with the school nurse, if one is employed by the school or school district, to provide individual and family health education; school or districtwide health promotion; first aid and administration of medications; facilitation of student enrollment in health insurance programs; screening of students to identify the need for physical, mental health, and oral health services; referral and linkage to services not offered onsite; public health and disease surveillance; and emergency response procedures. A school health center may receive grant funding pursuant to this section if the school or school district does not employ a school nurse. However, it is not the intent of the Legislature that a school health center serve as a substitute for a school nurse employed by a local school or school district.

(4) Have a written contract or memorandum of understanding between the school district and the health care provider or any other community providers that ensures coordination of services, ensures confidentiality and privacy of health information consistent with applicable federal and state laws, and integration of services into the school environment.

(5) Serve all registered students in the school regardless of ability to pay.

(6) Be open during all normal school hours, or on a more limited basis if resources are not available, or on a more expansive basis if dictated by community needs and resources are available.

(7) Establish protocols for referring students to outside services when the school health center is closed.

(8) Facilitate transportation between the school and the health center if the health center is not located on school or school district property.

(b) Planning grants shall be available in amounts between twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for a 6- to 12-month period to be used for the costs associated with assessing the need for a school health center in a particular community or area, and developing the partnerships necessary for the operation of a school health center in that community or area. Applicants for planning grants shall be required to have a letter of interest from a school or district if the applicant is not a local education agency. Grantees provided funding pursuant to this subdivision shall be required to do all of the following:

(1) Seek input from students, parents, school nurses, school staff and administration, local health providers, and if applicable, special population groups, on community health needs, barriers to health care and the need for a school health center.

(2) Collect data on the school and community to estimate the percentage of students that lack health insurance and the percentage that are eligible for Medi-Cal benefits, or other public programs providing free or low-cost health services.

(3) Assess capacity and interest among health care providers in the community to provide services in a school health center.

(4) Assess the need for specific cultural or linguistic services or both.

(c) Facilities and startup grants shall be available in amounts between twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) and two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) per year for a three-year period for the purpose of establishing a school health center, with the potential addition of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in the first year for facilities construction, purchase, or renovation. Grant funds may be used to cover a portion or all of the costs associated with designing, retrofitting, renovating, constructing, or buying a facility, for medical equipment and supplies for a school health center, or for personnel costs at a school health center. Preference will be given to proposals that include a plan for cost sharing among schools, health providers, and community organizations for facilities construction and renovation costs. Applicants for facilities and startup grants offered pursuant to this subdivision shall be required to meet the following criteria:

(1) Have completed a community assessment determining the need for a school health center.

(2) Have a contract or memorandum of understanding between the school district and the health care provider, if other than the district, and any other provider agencies describing the relationship between the district and the school health center.

(3) Have a mechanism, described in writing, to coordinate services to individual students among school and school health center staff while maintaining confidentiality and privacy of health information consistent with applicable state and federal laws.

(4) Have a written description of how the school health center will participate in the following:

(A) School and districtwide health promotion, coordinated school health, health education in the classroom or on campus, program/activities that address nutrition, fitness, or other important public health issues, or promotion of policies that create a healthy school environment.

(B) Outreach and enrollment of students in health insurance programs.

(C) Public health prevention, surveillance, and emergency response for the school population.

(5) Have the ability to provide the linguistic or cultural services needed by the community. If the school health center is not yet able to provide these services due to resource limitations, the school health center shall engage in an ongoing assessment of its capacity to provide these services.

(6) Have a plan for maximizing available third-party reimbursement revenue streams.

(d) Sustainability grants shall be available in amounts between twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) and one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) per year for a three-year period for the purpose of operating a school health center, or enhancing programming at a fully operational school health center, including oral health or mental health services. Applicants for sustainability grants offered pursuant to this subdivision shall be required to meet all of the criteria described in subdivision (c), in addition to both of the following criteria:

(1) The applicant shall be eligible to become or already be an approved Medi-Cal provider.

(2) The applicant shall have ability and procedures in place for billing public insurance programs and managed care providers.

(3) The applicant shall seek reimbursement and have procedures in place for billing public and private insurance that covers students at the school health center.

(e) The department shall award technical assistance grants through a competitive bidding process to qualified contractors to support grantees receiving grants under subdivisions (b), (c), and (d). A qualified contractor means a vendor with demonstrated capacity in all aspects of planning, facilities development, startup, and operation of a school health center.

(f) The department shall also develop a request for proposal (RFP) process for collecting information on applicants, and determining which proposals shall receive grant funding. The department shall give preference for grant funding to the following schools:

(1) Schools in areas designated as federally medically underserved areas or in areas with medically underserved populations.

(2) Schools with a high percentage of low-income and uninsured children and youth.

(3) Schools with large numbers of limited English proficient (LEP) students.

(4) Schools in areas with a shortage of health professionals.

(5) Low-performing schools with Academic Performance Index (API) rankings in the deciles of three and below of the state.

(g) Moneys shall be allocated to the department annually for evaluation to be conducted by an outside evaluator that is selected through a competitive bidding process. The evaluation shall document the number of grantees that establish and sustain school health centers, and describe the challenges and lessons learned in creating successful school health centers. The evaluator shall use data collected pursuant to Section 124174.3, if it is available, and work in collaboration with the Public School Health Center Support Program. The department shall post the evaluation on its Internet Web site.

(h) This section shall be implemented only to the extent that funds are appropriated to the department in the annual Budget Act or other statute for implementation of this article.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 381, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2009.)


text:
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

(a) Adolescent pregnancy and parenthood is a problem with significant social, medical, educational, and economic consequences to the teen parent and child, her family, and the State of California.

(b) In an attempt to address the problems of pregnant and parenting adolescents, the Governor, in 1985, created the Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Program, that was designed to bring pregnant and parenting teenagers into programs that provide services of demonstrated cost benefit and effectiveness by organizing networks of local agencies focused on providing services to adolescents and ensuring the most timely and effective utilization of services.

(c) Independent evaluations indicate that the program has been successful and effective in achieving its intended goals of providing pregnant adolescents with prenatal care, reducing the incidence of low birthweight babies born to adolescent mothers, keeping or reenrolling pregnant and parenting adolescents in school, and reducing the rate of repeat teen pregnancies.

chapter: 4. Adolescent Health

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 4. Adolescent Health > 1. California Adolescent Family Life Act of 1988


text:
(a) The department may conduct the Adolescent Family Life Program to assure that pregnant adolescents receive comprehensive continuous prenatal care in order to deliver healthy babies; to establish networks within regions to provide to pregnant and parenting teens and their children necessary services including medical care, psychological and nutritional counseling, maternity counseling, adoption counseling, academic and vocational programs, and day care; to provide a continuous case manager to each family unit; and to maintain a data base to measure outcomes of adolescent pregnancies. Specific procedures to operate this program will be defined and carried out through standards and guidelines established by the department.

(b) No grant funds may be used for essential services to pregnant adolescents or schoolage parents unless the services are not available in the county or are insufficient to meet the basic needs of the population to be served; in that case, funds may be used for essential services only as set forth in the approved grant application. No grant funds may be expended for abortions, abortion referrals, or abortion counseling.

article: 1. California Adolescent Family Life Act of 1988


text:
(a) The department, through its program of maternal and child health, shall award contract augmentations to four Adolescent Family Life Programs that meet the requirements of this section and develop plans for a comprehensive coordinated substance abuse prevention, intervention, and counseling program, designed specifically to meet the developmental, social, and educational needs of high-risk pregnant or parenting adolescents. The program shall, to the extent practicable, feasible, and appropriate, leverage existing programs and funding rather than creating new, duplicative programs and services.

(b) The department shall adopt guidelines and criteria setting forth the terms and conditions upon which the department will offer contract augmentations pursuant to this section. The department also shall disseminate information designed to publicize the availability of contract augmentations for a comprehensive coordinated substance abuse prevention, intervention, and counseling program to high-risk pregnant or parenting adolescents.

(c) The department shall encourage Adolescent Family Life Programs with small caseloads to develop plans and submit applications that reflect sharing of services among two or more programs.

(d) At least one program that is awarded a contract augmentation shall be located in northern California, at least one program shall be located in central California, and at least one program shall be located in southern California.

(e) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1994.


text:
A comprehensive coordinated substance abuse prevention, intervention, and counseling program, as used in Section 124185, shall include, but not be limited to, programs that:

(a) Have demonstrated a capacity for developing interagency cooperative approaches to reduce the incidence of high-risk pregnant or parenting adolescents. This shall include documentation of program development and plans for coordination and collaboration with existing perinatal substance abuse programs in the county, including state pilot projects on perinatal substance abuse established under the direction of the Local Perinatal Substance Abuse Coordinating Council.

(b) Employ maximum utilization of existing available programs and facilities.

(c) Have developed goals and objectives for reducing the incidence of high-risk pregnant and parenting adolescents.

(d) Are culturally and linguistically appropriate to the population being served.

(e) Include staff development training by substance abuse counselors.

(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1994.


text: The department shall require reports to be prepared by all programs funded pursuant to this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 193, Sec. 129. Effective January 1, 2005.)


text: Funding for the purpose of this article shall be provided through funds appropriated to the department through the annual Budget Act.


text:
(a) The Legislature finds that recent responsibilities for assessing and treating the mental disorders of children and adolescents have been required of county mental health programs creating an unmet need for personnel in the field of mental health who have expertise in preventing, diagnosing, and treating the mental and emotional disorders of children.

(b) Recent attention to child abuse cases has increased the awareness of the special needs of children who are victims of abuse and of those who are then called to the courtroom as witnesses. Mental health personnel with special training are also needed for these children.

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 4. Adolescent Health > 2. Child and Adolescent Resource Program


text:
It is the purpose of the Legislature, in enacting this article, to encourage the Regents of the University of California to augment the academic child and adolescent programs at the medical schools of the University of California. The programs shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following elements:

(a) Clinical or postgraduate educational programs in child and adolescent psychiatry to instruct and train students in recognizing and treating children with mental and emotional problems, both organic and functional.

(b) Provision of continuing education for specialists in the care and treatment of children and adolescents with mental and emotional problems.

(c) Research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders of children.

article: 2. Child and Adolescent Resource Program


text:
(a) A youth sports organization that elects to offer an athletic program shall comply with all of the following:

(1) (A) An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury, or who has passed out or fainted, in an athletic activity shall be immediately removed from the athletic activity for the remainder of the day, and shall not be permitted to return to any athletic activity until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider. The athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity until the athlete receives written clearance to return to athletic activity from a licensed healthcare provider. If the licensed healthcare provider determines that the athlete sustained a concussion or other head injury, the athlete shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

(B) If the licensed healthcare provider suspects that the athlete has a cardiac condition that puts the athlete at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or other heart-related issues, the athlete shall remain under the care of the licensed healthcare provider to pursue followup testing until the athlete is cleared to play.

(2) If an athlete who is 17 years of age or younger has been removed from athletic activity due to a suspected concussion or due to fainting or another suspected cardiac condition, the youth sports organization shall notify a parent or guardian of that athlete of the time and date of the injury, the symptoms observed, and any treatment provided to that athlete for the injury.

(3) (A) On a yearly basis, the youth sports organization shall give both a concussion and head injury and a sudden cardiac arrest information sheet to each athlete. The information sheet shall be signed and returned by the athlete and, if the athlete is 17 years of age or younger, shall also be signed by the athlete’s parent or guardian, before the athlete initiates practice or competition.

(B) If the athlete is six years of age or younger, only the signature of the athlete’s parent or guardian shall be required to comply with this paragraph. If the athlete is 18 years of age or older, only the signature of the athlete shall be required to comply with this paragraph.

(C) The information sheet may be sent and returned through an electronic medium including, but not necessarily limited to, fax or electronic mail.

(4) On a yearly basis, the youth sports organization shall offer concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention education, or related educational materials, or both, to each coach, administrator, and referee, umpire, or other game official of the youth sports organization.

(5) The youth sports organization shall require both of the following:

(A) Each coach, administrator, and referee, umpire, or other game official of the youth sports organization shall be required to successfully complete the concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention education offered pursuant to paragraph (4) at least once, either online or in person, before supervising an athlete in an activity of the youth sports organization.

(B) The youth sports organization shall post related information, as referenced in paragraph (4), online, or provide educational materials to athletes and parents, or both.

(6) The youth sports organization shall identify both of the following:

(A) Procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements for providing concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention education and a concussion and head injury and sudden cardiac arrest prevention information sheet, as referenced in paragraphs (3) to (5), inclusive.

(B) Procedures to ensure compliance with the athlete removal provisions and the return-to-play protocol required pursuant to paragraph (1).

(b) As used in this article, all of the following shall apply:

(1) “Concussion and head injury education and educational materials” and a “concussion and head injury information sheet” shall, at a minimum, include information relating to all of the following:

(A) Head injuries and their potential consequences.

(B) The signs and symptoms of a concussion.

(C) Best practices for removal of an athlete from an athletic activity after a suspected concussion.

(D) Steps for returning an athlete to school and athletic activity after a concussion or head injury.

(2) “Licensed healthcare provider” means either of the following:

(A) A licensed healthcare provider who is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and is acting within the scope of the provider’s practice for evaluation and management of concussions or other head injuries.

(B) A licensed healthcare provider who is trained in the evaluation and management of cardiac conditions and is acting within the scope of that provider’s practice for evaluation and management of sudden cardiac arrest, fainting, and shortness of breath.

(3) “Sudden cardiac arrest prevention education and educational materials” and a “sudden cardiac arrest information sheet” shall, at a minimum, include information relating to all of the following:

(A) Cardiac conditions and their potential consequences.

(B) The signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest.

(C) Best practices for removal of an athlete from an athletic activity after fainting or a suspected cardiac condition is observed.

(D) Steps for returning an athlete to an athletic activity after the athlete faints or experiences a cardiac condition.

(E) What to do in the event of a cardiac emergency: this shall include calling 911, performing hands-only CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) if it is available.

(4) “Youth sports organization” means an organization, business, nonprofit entity, or a local governmental agency that sponsors or conducts amateur sports competitions, training, camps, or clubs in which persons 17 years of age or younger participate.

(c) This section shall apply to all persons participating in the activities of a youth sports organization, irrespective of their ages. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a youth sports organization, or any other appropriate entity, from adopting and enforcing rules intended to provide a higher standard of safety for athletes than the standard established under this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 174, Sec. 2. (AB 379) Effective January 1, 2020.)

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 4. Adolescent Health > 2.5. Youth Sports Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Protocols


text:
(a) A youth sports organization, as defined in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 124235, that elects to offer an athletic program shall annually give the Opioid Factsheet for Patients published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to each athlete. The athlete and, if the athlete is 17 years of age or younger, the athlete’s parent or guardian shall sign a document acknowledging receipt of the Opioid Factsheet for Patients and return that document to the youth sports organization before the athlete initiates practice or competition. The Opioid Factsheet for Patients may be sent and returned through an electronic medium, including, but not limited to, fax or email.

(b) This section shall apply to all athletes participating in the activities of a youth sports organization, irrespective of their ages. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a youth sports organization, or any other appropriate entity, from adopting and enforcing rules intended to provide a higher standard of safety for athletes than the standard established under this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 693, Sec. 14. (SB 1109) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 2.5. Youth Sports Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Protocols


text:
For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Coach” means a person appointed by the youth sports organization to supervise or instruct a participant in a sport.

(b) “Official practice or match” means a sport session in which live action or one or more drills are conducted, or a match, as scheduled by the youth sports organization, the coach, or other designee of the organization.

(c) “Youth sports organization” has the same meaning as set forth in Section 124235.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 24, Sec. 1. (AB 1467) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 2.6. Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 4. Adolescent Health > 2.6. Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act


text:
(a) Commencing January 1, 2028, a youth sports organization that elects to offer an athletic program shall ensure that its athletes have access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) during any official practice or match, subject to subdivisions (b) and (c).

(b) Commencing January 1, 2027, a youth sports organization shall ensure that its coaches are certified, and recertified at least every two years, to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and operate an AED and that there is a written cardiac emergency response plan. Certified training may be conducted in person or online and shall be offered by an accredited organization, consistent with national evidence-based cardiovascular care guidelines. The written cardiac emergency response plan shall be reviewed annually with coaches and staff. The written emergency response plan shall be consistent with nationally recognized, evidence-based standards and shall detail all of the following:

(1) The location of any AEDs and procedures to be followed in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

(2) The responsibilities of the coach, administration, and athletes during the event.

(3) How the coach, administration, and athletes will be notified and trained on the emergency response plan.

(4) An annual electronic communication to the parents or guardians of enrolled participants that includes the cardiac emergency response plan or an internet link to the plan, the location or locations of any AEDs, and identifies the staff members designated to be notified in the event of a sudden cardiac event.

(c) Commencing January 1, 2028, a youth sports organization shall ensure that its AED is maintained and tested according to the operation and maintenance guidelines established by the manufacturer of that AED and the applicable rules and regulations of the federal Food and Drug Administration or any other applicable state or federal authority.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 254, Sec. 1. (AB 310) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.6. Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act


text:
(a) This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Youth Football Act.

(b) As used in this article:

(1) “Coach” means a person appointed by a youth sports organization to supervise or instruct a participant in the sport of youth tackle football.

(2) “Full-contact portion” of practice is defined as the period of time in drills or live action that involves contact at game speed.

(3) “Full-contact practice” means a session where one or more drills or live action is conducted that involves contact at game speed, as in an actual tackle football game or scrimmage. This includes simulations or drills that involve any number of players.

(4) “Heat-related illness” includes, but is not necessarily limited to, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and exertional heat stroke.

(5) “Off-season” means a period extending from the end of the regular season until 30 days before the commencement of the next regular season.

(6) “Play” includes participation in a youth tackle football game, scrimmage, or practice.

(7) “Preseason” means a period of 30 days before the commencement of the regular season.

(8) “Regular season” means the period from the first league football game or scrimmage until the completion of the final football game of that season.

(9) “Safety equipment” includes, but is not necessarily limited to, all of the following:

(A) A helmet and its associated parts, including, but not necessarily limited to, a face mask and mouthguard.

(B) Hip, knee, and shoulder pads.

(C) A jersey.

(D) A tailbone protector.

(E) Pants and thigh guards.

(F) Shoes, including cleats.

(10) “Youth sports organization” means an organization, business, or nonprofit entity that sponsors or conducts amateur sports competition, training, camps, clinics, practices, or clubs.

(11) “Youth tackle football league” means the organization that groups together youth sports organizations that conduct youth tackle football, administers rules, and sets game schedules. It may or may not be associated with a national organization.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 158, Sec. 2. (AB 1) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2.7. California Youth Football Act

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 4. Adolescent Health > 2.7. California Youth Football Act


text:
On and after January 1, 2021, a youth sports organization that conducts a tackle football program shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a) A tackle football team shall not conduct more than two full-contact practices per week during the preseason and regular season.

(b) A tackle football team shall not hold a full-contact practice during the off-season.

(c) The full-contact portion of a practice shall not exceed 30 minutes in any single day.

(d) A coach shall annually receive a tackling and blocking certification from a nationally recognized program that emphasizes shoulder tackling, safe contact and blocking drills, and techniques designed to minimize the risk during contact by removing the involvement of youth tackle football participant’s head from all tackling and blocking techniques.

(e) Each youth tackle football administrator, coach, and referee shall annually complete all of the following:

(1) The concussion and head injury education pursuant to Section 124235.

(2) The Opioid Factsheet for Patients pursuant to Section 124236.

(3) Training in the basic understanding of the signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses to heat-related illness.

(f) Each parent or guardian of a youth tackle football participant shall receive concussion and head injury information for that athlete pursuant to Section 124235 and the Opioid Factsheet for Patients pursuant to Section 124236.

(g) Each football helmet shall be reconditioned and recertified every other year, unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer. Only entities licensed by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment shall perform the reconditioning and recertification. Every reconditioned and recertified helmet shall display a clearly recognizable mark or notice in the helmet indicating the month and year of the last certification.

(h) A minimum of one certified emergency medical technician, state-licensed paramedic, or higher-level licensed medical professional shall be present during all preseason, regular season, and postseason games. The certified emergency medical technician, state-licensed paramedic, or higher-level licensed medical professional shall have the authority to provide prehospital emergency medical care or rescue services consistent with their certification or license, and remove any youth tackle football participant from the game who exhibits an injury, including, but not necessarily limited to, symptoms of a concussion or other head injury.

(i) A coach shall annually receive first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automated external defibrillator certification.

(j) At least one independent nonrostered individual, appointed by the youth sports organization, shall be present at all practice locations. The individual shall hold current and active certification in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator, and concussion protocols. The individual shall have the authority to evaluate and remove any youth tackle football participant from practice who exhibits an injury, including, but not limited to, symptoms of a concussion or other head injury.

(k) Safety equipment shall be inspected before every full-contact practice or game to ensure that all youth tackle football participants are properly equipped.

(l) Each youth tackle football participant removed pursuant to this section shall comply with Section 124235. The injury shall be reported to the youth tackle football league.

(m) Each youth tackle football participant shall complete a minimum of 10 hours of noncontact practice at the beginning of each season for the purpose of conditioning, acclimating to safety equipment, and progressing to the introduction of full-contact practice. During this noncontact practice, the youth tackle football participants shall not wear any pads, and shall only wear helmets if required to do so by the coaches.

(n) A youth sports organization shall annually provide a declaration to its youth tackle football league stating that it is in compliance with this article, and shall either post the declaration on its internet website or provide the declaration to all youth tackle football participants within its youth sports organization.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 49, Sec. 1. (AB 2300) Effective January 1, 2021.)

article: 2.7. California Youth Football Act


text:
On and after January 1, 2021, a youth tackle football league shall comply with both of the following:

(a) Establish youth tackle football participant divisions that are organized by relative age or weight or by both age and weight.

(b) Retain information from which the names of individuals shall not be identified for the tracking of youth sports injuries. This information shall include the type of injury, the medical treatment received by the youth tackle football participant, and return to play protocols followed by the participant pursuant to subdivision (l) of Section 124241.

article: 2.7. California Youth Football Act


text: Nothing in this article shall prohibit any youth sports organization or youth tackle football league from adopting and enforcing rules intended to provide a higher standard of safety for youth tackle football participants than the requirements established under this article.

article: 2.7. California Youth Football Act


text: This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the Youth Sports for All Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 705, Sec. 2. (AB 749) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2033, pursuant to Section 124256.)

article: 2.8. Youth Sports for All Act

path: 106. PERSONAL HEALTH CARE (INCLUDING MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT) > 2. MATERNAL, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH > 4. Adolescent Health > 2.8. Youth Sports for All Act