CA AB357

Repeals the Healthy Families Advisory Board and renames it as the Medi-Cal Children's Health Advisory Panel under the State Department of Health Care Services.

Creates a 15-member independent advisory panel to advise the department on matters relevant to children enrolled in Medi-Cal, including emerging care trends, quality measurements, provider networks, and enrollment issues.

Panel membership includes healthcare providers (dentists, physicians), representatives from nonprofits and community organizations, foster youth advocates, parents, Medi-Cal enrollees, and representatives from health plans, business, and education sectors.

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to provide staff support, convene quarterly meetings, reimburse travel expenses, provide $100 stipends per meeting to Medi-Cal enrollee and parent members, and maintain a dedicated website with meeting materials and recommendations.

Mandates submission of a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2018, on the panel's accomplishments, effectiveness, efficiency, and recommendations for statutory improvements.