MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
25-1367m New HIV Test Result Disclosure Rules for Medi-Cal Providers
Health Net·CA · Infectious Disease, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine +1 more·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jan 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2026, California law changes allow Medi-Cal providers to share HIV test results with patients' assigned Managed Care Plans and external quality review organizations without written patient authorization. Providers must review and update their HIV test result disclosure practices to comply with new Senate Bill 0278 requirements.
Action Required
Before January 1, 2026: Medical billing and clinical staff must review and update HIV test result disclosure practices to comply with SB 0278. Update privacy policies and staff training to reflect new permitted disclosures to assigned Medi-Cal MCPs and DHCS-contracted quality review organizations without patient authorization. Ensure disclosure restrictions to non-assigned health plans still require written authorization.