CA SB965

Creates an exception to the hearsay rule allowing statements by specified health practitioners and licensed clinical social workers in medical records to be admissible as expert witness testimony in conservatorship appointment or reappointment proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act.

Applies to health practitioners described in Penal Code Section 11165.7(a)(21)-(25) and social workers licensed under Business and Professions Code Chapter 14.

Preserves the right of any party to call the author of statements in the medical record as a witness regardless of whether the expert relied on those statements.

Allows courts to grant reasonable continuances if an expert witness relied on medical records that were not provided to parties or their counsel upon request within a reasonable time before the proceeding.