CA AB1241

Requires Medi-Cal providers offering telehealth services via video or audio-only synchronous interaction (effective no sooner than January 1, 2024) to maintain protocols that either offer in-person services or arrange referrals to in-person care

Clarifies that providers are not required to schedule appointments with different providers on behalf of patients when arranging referrals for in-person care

Maintains existing requirements that providers offering audio-only services must also offer video synchronous interaction to preserve patient choice, with limited exceptions based on technology access and broadband availability

Requires providers to communicate to patients in writing or verbally that telehealth is voluntary, patients can withdraw consent anytime, and they have the right to access services through in-person visits

Requires the state department to develop informational notices for beneficiaries explaining telehealth availability, the right to in-person care, voluntary nature of telehealth, and availability of transportation assistance coverage