S.B.1152

Summary

Existing law establishes the State Department of Public Health and sets forth its powers and duties, including the licensure and regulation of health facilities. A violation of those provisions is a crime. Existing law prohibits specified health facilities from causing the transfer of homeless patients from one county to another county for the purpose of receiving supportive services from a social service agency, health care service provider, or nonprofit social service agency within the other county, without prior notice and authorization. This bill would require those health facilities to include within the hospital discharge policy, a written homeless patient discharge planning policy and process, as specified. The bill would require the health facilities to develop a written plan for coordinating services and referrals for homeless patients including procedures for homeless patient discharge referrals, designated liaisons at each participating entity, and coordination protocols. Because violation of these requirements would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.