MedicaidAdministrativeHigh impact
25-1173 Urgent: New Law Expands Patient Privacy Protections - Compliance Required by November 4, 2025
Health Net·CA·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Nov 4, 2025
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
California Senate Bill 81 expands patient privacy protections to include immigration status and place of birth as protected medical information, prohibiting healthcare providers from allowing immigration enforcement access without valid judicial warrants. All healthcare entities in Fresno, Kings, and Madera counties must update policies and train staff by November 4, 2025.
Action Required
By November 4, 2025: All staff must complete training on new visitor and enforcement protocols. Administrative team must review and update internal policies to treat immigration status and place of birth as protected health information under CMIA. Front desk staff must implement new procedures for monitoring, documenting and receiving visitors, prohibiting access to nonpublic areas without valid judicial warrant or court order. Failure to comply may result in CMIA violations and legal penalties.