CA AB2119

Establishes that foster youth rights include involvement in developing case plan elements related to placement and gender affirming health care, with consideration of their gender identity.

Defines "gender affirming health care" as medically necessary care respecting a patient's gender identity, including interventions to suppress secondary sex characteristics, align appearance with gender identity, or alleviate gender dysphoria symptoms.

Defines "gender affirming mental health care" as behavioral health services respecting gender identity, including identity exploration, distress reduction, adaptive coping, and strategies to increase family acceptance.

Requires the State Department of Social Services to develop guidance and best practices by January 1, 2020, in consultation with the State Department of Health Care Services and other stakeholders, to help foster youth access gender affirming health and mental health care through Medi-Cal.

Clarifies that foster youth rights to health and mental health care include covered gender affirming services, subject to existing laws governing consent to health care for minors and nonminors.