MedicaidAdministrativeHigh impact
22-412 Protect Patient's Privacy of Confidential Medical Information
Health Net·CA · Psychiatry, OB-GYN, Family Medicine +3 more·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jul 1, 2022
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
This policy implements new patient privacy protections for sensitive medical services under California's Assembly Bill 1184, requiring healthcare providers to direct all communications about mental health, reproductive health, STI treatment, substance abuse, gender affirming care, and intimate partner violence services directly to the patient rather than the primary policyholder. Providers must respond to confidential communication requests within 7-14 days and cannot disclose sensitive service information without the patient's written authorization.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update all communication procedures to send bills, EOBs, and claims communications for sensitive services (mental health, reproductive health, STI, substance abuse, gender affirming care, intimate partner violence) directly to the patient's designated address, not the primary policyholder. Front desk staff must notify all patients they can request confidential communications and respond to such requests within 7 days (electronic/phone) or 14 days (mail). Update billing system settings to flag sensitive service claims for special handling.