AB 2028 Summary

• Authorizes health care providers and health care service plans to disclose medical information relevant to child abuse, neglect, or elder/dependent adult abuse to investigating agencies, including investigation reports and materials given to licensing agencies.

• Exempts from psychotherapist information restrictions disclosures specifically authorized by law, including reports to the federal Food and Drug Administration about adverse drug or medical device events and disclosures related to mandatory abuse reporting.

• Requires written requests for psychotherapist information to include the specific information sought, intended use, retention period, and a statement that information will not be used for other purposes and will be destroyed after the specified timeframe.

• Requires persons or entities requesting psychotherapist information to submit a copy of the written request to the patient within 30 days, unless the patient waives notification in writing.

• Provides no state reimbursement is required because the act only changes the definition of a crime under Section 17556 of the Government Code.