BILL ANALYSIS �
SB 393
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SENATE THIRD READING
SB 393 (Ed Hernandez)
As Amended August 24, 2012
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :30-7
HEALTH 13-3
--------------------------------
|Ayes:|Monning, Atkins, Bonilla, |
| |Eng, Gordon, Hayashi, |
| |Roger Hern�ndez, Bonnie |
| |Lowenthal, Mitchell, |
| |Nestande, Pan, Silva, |
| |Williams |
| | |
|-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Logue, Garrick, Mansoor |
| | |
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SUMMARY : Establishes the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)
Act of 2012 to define a PCMH as a health care delivery model
that meets specified criteria consistent with providing
patient-centered, coordinated care. Specifically, this bill :
1)Defines a PCMH as a health care delivery model that meets the
following criteria:
a) Facilitates a relationship between a patient and his or
her personal physician and surgeon or other licensed
primary care provider in a physician-directed practice team
to provide comprehensive and culturally competent primary
and preventive care;
b) Utilizes a team approach to care;
c) Delivers high-quality, comprehensive and coordinated
care including whole person orientation, as specified;
d) Uses evidence-based medicine, patient input and clinical
decision support tools, as specified;
e) Enhances patient access to, and communication with, his
or her medical home team; and,
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f) Engages in continuous quality improvement, as specified.
1)Prohibits this bill from being construed to do any of the
following:
a) Alter the scope of practice of any licensed or certified
health care provider;
b) Apply to a Low Income Health Plan, as specified;
c) Apply to public health care programs, as specified; and,
d) Prevent or limit participation in activities authorized
by a federal health program or grant, as specified.
FISCAL EFFECT : None
COMMENTS : According to the author, this bill establishes a
definition for the set of best health care practices known as
PCMH to ensure uniform standards of quality and access. The
author argues that out-of-control health care costs, diminishing
state revenue, a growing shortage of primary care professionals,
inadequate distribution of health care providers, and a sharp
increase in the demand for services for those with chronic
disease and mental health disorders drive the need for the PCMH
model of health care delivery. The author maintains that
establishing a definition for this model in state law makes it
more likely that California will receive crucial federal health
care dollars.
Supporters, representing various provider and consumer advocacy
groups, agree that a medical home serves as a centralized hub to
provide patients and their families with coordinated services,
such as preventive and wellness care, referrals for specialty
care, and help in coordinating care across specialties. They
state that the PCMH model is particularly effective for children
as it encourages a "whole child" approach that increases the
ability to avoid or successfully manage chronic childhood
conditions and, in doing so, it could produce potentially
significant cost savings over a lifetime. Supporters write
that, as the PCMH model continues to evolve and grow in
popularity, this bill will ensure uniform application of the use
of the PCMH in California and provide clarity on the appropriate
standards of care for this model in the state. They add that
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this bill ensures that all licensed providers are included as
partners in the medical home model and sends an important signal
that California supports health care that is comprehensive,
accessible, cost-effective, and evidence-based.
Analysis Prepared by : Cassie Royce / HEALTH / (916) 319-2097
FN: 0005526