CA AB1376

Private ambulance service providers and their employees are not criminally or civilly liable for detaining persons when requested by peace officers or authorized professionals, if operating according to local emergency medical services standards and protocols.

Liability protection applies to transportation and detainment of individuals held under Welfare and Institutions Code sections 5150, 5250, or 5260 (mental health evaluation and treatment holds) to designated county facilities.

Providers must follow policies and procedures established by local emergency medical services agencies and the California Emergency Medical Services Authority when providing such transportation.

Liability protection does not shield providers from liability for negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct during transport.

Private ambulance providers cannot require persons voluntarily agreeing to transport to a designated facility to be placed on an involuntary hold as a condition of that transport.