CA SB963

All general acute care hospitals with emergency departments must adopt policies and procedures allowing patients to self-identify as victims of human trafficking or domestic violence to hospital personnel.

Policies must provide patient confidentiality, safe and discreet means of self-identification, reasonably prompt private interviews by medical personnel, trauma-informed care principles, and information about local services and resources for victims.

Hospitals may track demographic data (age, race) and total numbers of patients who self-identify as trafficking or domestic violence victims, to the extent provided by patients.

Hospitals and their personnel are not liable for injuries or damages related to patients who self-identify or receive victim services information, provided the hospital acted in good faith, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Hospitals are not required to report patient identities to the state or law enforcement unless mandated by existing abuse reporting laws (Penal Code Articles 2 and 2.5, or Welfare and Institutions Code Chapter 11).