CA AB618

Requires Medi-Cal managed care plans, county specialty mental health plans, Drug Medi-Cal certified programs, and DMC-ODS programs to electronically share member data to improve care coordination for behavioral health services

Department of Health Care Services must determine minimum data elements and the frequency/format of data sharing through a stakeholder consultation process, in alignment with the California Health and Human Services Agency's Data Exchange Framework

Stakeholder consultation must occur by March 1, 2026, with final implementing guidance published by January 1, 2027

Data sharing requirements take effect 180 days after guidance is issued

All data sharing must comply with federal privacy laws including HIPAA and federal substance use disorder confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2), as well as state health information privacy rules