AB-1637 • 2026

Physicians and surgeons: medical records.

Crime Education Healthcare

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Caloza
Last action: 2026-06-08
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

Physicians and surgeons: medical records.

AB 1637, as amended, Caloza.

What This Bill Does

AB 1637, as amended, Caloza.
Physicians and surgeons: medical records.
Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, establishes the Medical Board of California to license and regulate the practice of medicine.
A violation of the act is a crime, unless otherwise specified.

Limits and Unknowns

This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

2026-06-08 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-05-20 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D.
2026-05-07 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-07 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 69. Noes 0. Page 4962.)
2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 22).
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 19. Noes 0.) (April 7).
2026-02-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on B. & P.
2026-01-27 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 26.
2026-01-26 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1637, as amended, Caloza.
Physicians and surgeons: medical records.
Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, establishes the Medical Board of California to license and regulate the practice of medicine. A violation of the act is a crime, unless otherwise specified. Existing law makes it unprofessional conduct for a failure of a physician and surgeon to maintain adequate and accurate records relating to the provision of services to their patients for at least 7 years after the last date of service to a patient.
This bill would state that a physician and surgeon’s patient
medical documentation
notes, as defined,
shall be the responsibility of that physician and surgeon. The bill would prohibit a physician and surgeon’s
patient
notes, after-visit summaries, and diagnoses and treatment plans
notes
from being altered, modified, or edited in any fashion by anyone other than the authoring physician and
surgeon.
surgeon, except as specified.
By expanding the scope of a crime under the act, the 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.

Current Bill Text

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