Plain English Breakdown
The exact 'certain criteria' for caseloads are not defined in the provided summary text and will be determined by departmental rules.
Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management Peer Support Requirements
This law requires certain Medi-Cal enhanced care management providers to include peer support specialists on their teams and limits how criminal records can block these workers from being hired.
What This Bill Does
- Requires ECM providers whose caseload meets specific criteria to maintain an interdisciplinary team with at least one integrated peer support specialist or trainee.
- Allows providers to meet staffing requirements using various models, including virtual, phone, and technology-based service delivery.
- Sets a deadline of January 1, 2028, for subject ECM providers to achieve full compliance.
- Prohibits disqualifying peer support specialists solely or primarily based on criminal background checks.
- Allows consideration of an individual's criminal record if it is directly related to the duties of the position.
Who It Names or Affects
- Medi-Cal enhanced care management (ECM) providers with caseloads meeting certain criteria
- Peer support specialists and trainees seeking employment or certification
- The State Department of Health Care Services, counties, Medi-Cal managed care plans, and other health agencies
Terms To Know
- Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
- A benefit for specific Medi-Cal members that addresses both medical needs and non-medical life challenges.
- Peer Support Specialist
- An adult at least 18 years old who has personal experience recovering from mental illness or substance use disorder and helps others in similar situations.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only takes effect if the state receives necessary federal approvals.
- Implementation depends on whether federal funding is available to support these changes.
- Rules about criminal records cannot conflict with existing federal laws.
- Only ECM providers whose caseload meets certain criteria must meet the staffing requirements.