MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
25-1366m New HIV Test Result Disclosure Rules for Medi-Cal Providers
Health Net·CA·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, California Senate Bill 0278 expands HIV test result disclosure rules for Medi-Cal providers, allowing sharing of identifying HIV test results with assigned Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans and external quality review organizations without written patient authorization. Restrictions still apply for disclosure to non-assigned health plans and federal agencies.
Action Required
Before January 1, 2026: Billing and clinical teams must review and update HIV test result disclosure practices to comply with SB 0278. Update privacy policies and staff training to reflect new permissions for sharing identifying HIV results with assigned Medi-Cal MCPs and DHCS-contracted quality review organizations without patient authorization. Ensure systems maintain restrictions on disclosure to non-assigned health plans. Contact Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley at 833-236-4141 with questions.