CA AB1534

Requires health care service plans and health insurers to permit HIV specialists to serve as eligible primary care providers if requested and meeting the plan's eligibility criteria for specialists, effective for contracts issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2018.

Defines "HIV specialist" as a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner meeting criteria from the American Academy of HIV Medicine or HIV Medicine Association, or contracted under the federal Ryan White CARE Act.

Clarifies that HIV specialists designated as primary care providers are not counted toward network adequacy requirements under health care service plan regulations.

Exempts health insurance policies that do not require referrals from a primary care physician to access specialist services from these requirements.

Specifies no state reimbursement is required because any costs to local agencies result from changes to criminal penalties.