CA AB646

Authorizes health care districts with service areas designated as Medically Underserved Areas (MUA), Medically Underserved Populations (MUP), or Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) to directly employ physicians and surgeons through January 1, 2021

Requires health care district boards to conduct public hearings and adopt resolutions documenting inability to recruit physicians, patient care impacts, and active recruitment efforts for at least 12 consecutive months before employment authorization

Permits the Medical Board of California to approve employment of up to 5 primary or specialty care physicians initially, with approval for up to 5 additional physicians upon submission of additional documentation

Allows employment contracts of up to 10 years that may be renewed or extended, with districts able to enter into or renew contracts until December 31, 2020

Requires the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to report to the Legislature by June 1, 2018, on program efficacy regarding physician recruitment, retention, and patient outcomes in participating districts