CA AB951

Health care service plans and health insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, are prohibited from requiring individuals previously diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder or autism to undergo rediagnosis to maintain coverage for behavioral health treatment

Plans and insurers cannot discontinue or delay existing treatment while waiting for a rediagnosis to be completed

Treating providers retain the ability to reevaluate patients for appropriate treatment and may prescribe a rediagnosis at the discretion of a licensed physician or psychologist

Health plans and insurers may still require utilization review, which is defined as distinct from rediagnosis and involves evaluating existing treatment to ensure proper care

Treatment plans must be made available to the health care service plan or insurer upon request