MedicaidAdministrativeHigh impact
22-411 Protect Patient’s Privacy of Confidential Medical Information
Health Net·CA · Psychiatry, OB-GYN, Family Medicine +2 more·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jul 1, 2022
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Assembly Bill 1184 requires healthcare providers to protect patient privacy for sensitive services (mental health, reproductive health, STI, substance abuse, gender affirming care, intimate partner violence) by directing all communications to the patient rather than the policyholder, even for minors who can consent to care. Providers must respond to confidential communication requests within 7-14 days and cannot disclose sensitive service information without written patient authorization.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update communication workflows to send all bills, EOBs, and claim-related communications for sensitive services directly to the patient's designated address/phone/email, not the policyholder. Front desk staff must implement confidential communication request processes with 7-day response time for electronic requests and 14-day for mail requests. Update patient intake forms to capture confidential communication preferences and alternative contact information.