CA SB357

Replaces mandatory reporting of patients with consciousness disorders to local health officers with a discretionary system where physicians may report patients aged 15+ (or 14+ with junior permit) to the Department of Motor Vehicles if they reasonably believe reporting serves public interest, effective January 1, 2030.

Requires physicians to report all patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders to the Department of Motor Vehicles under the new system.

Exempts health care providers and entities from civil, criminal, administrative, and disciplinary liability for making or not making reports under the new discretionary system.

Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2035 comparing the number and types of reports submitted before and after the transition, including crash rate analysis.

Reverts to the mandatory reporting system with a specific definition of "disorders characterized by lapses of consciousness" on January 1, 2037, unless the discretionary system is extended by the Legislature.