Establishing New Patients via Telehealth
Health care providers may establish new patient relationships with members via two-way, audio-visual synchronous interactions (for example, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms).
In limited circumstances, health care providers may also establish new patient relationships with members via audio-only synchronous interactions only if one or more of the following applies:
- The visit is related to sensitive services as defined in subsection (s) of Section 56.05 of the Civil Code. Section 56.05 (s) of the Civil Code defines “sensitive services” as all health care services related to mental or behavioral health, sexual and reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, substance use disorder, gender-affirming care, and intimate partner violence, and includes services described in Sections 6924 through 6930 of the Family Code, and Sections 121020 and 124260 of the Health and Safety Code, obtained by a member at or above the minimum age specified for consenting to the service specified in the section.
- The member requests an audio-only modality.
- The member attests that they do not have access to secure video conferencing platforms.
Note: Health care providers may not establish new patient relationships with members via asynchronous telehealth interaction, including store and forward, for any Medi-Cal covered benefit or service.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Part 2 General Medicine Manual. Telehealth. (Nov. 2025), Pg. 4. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Documentation
All health care providers providing Medi-Cal covered benefits or services to members must maintain appropriate documentation to substantiate the corresponding technical and professional components of billed CPT® or HCPCS codes. Documentation for Medi-Cal covered benefits or services delivered via telehealth should be the same as for a comparable in-person service. The distant site provider can bill for Medi-Cal covered benefits or services delivered via telehealth using the appropriate CPT or HCPCS codes with the corresponding modifier and is responsible for maintaining appropriate supporting documentation. This documentation should be maintained in the member’s medical record.
Health care providers should note the following:
- Health care providers at the distant site must determine that the covered Medi-Cal service or benefit being delivered via telehealth meets the procedural definition and components of the CPT or HCPCS code(s) associated with the Medi-Cal covered service or benefit as well as any other requirements described in this section of the Medi-Cal provider manual.
- Health care providers are not required to document a barrier to an in-person visit for Medi-Cal coverage of services provided via telehealth (WIC, Section 14132.72[d]).
- Health care providers at the distant site are not required to document cost effectiveness of telehealth to be reimbursed for telehealth services or store and forward services.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Part 2 General Medicine Manual. Telehealth. (Nov. 2025), Pg. 6. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Family PACT
Documentation for benefits or services delivered via telehealth should be the same as for a comparable in-person service. The distant site provider can bill for Family PACT covered benefits or services delivered via telehealth using the appropriate CPT® or HCPCS codes with the corresponding modifier and is responsible for maintaining appropriate supporting documentation. This documentation must be maintained in the client’s medical record.
SOURCE: CA DHCS Medi-Cal Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities Manual. (Oct. 2025). Pg. 19. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Disabled Individuals
Telehealth services and supports are among the services and supports authorized to be included by individual program plans developed for disabled individuals by regional centers that contract with the State Department of Developmental Disabilities.
SOURCE: Welfare and Institutions Code Sec. 4512. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
FQHCs APM Program
Effective retroactively as of July 1, 2024, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has implemented the Alternative Payment Methodology (APM) for participating Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This new program moves selected FQHCs from a utilization-based reimbursement methodology to a per-member per-month reimbursement methodology. Providers that apply and are selected have two new requirements in addition to the prospective payment system (PPS) requirements. According to the FQHC APM Program Guide, FQHCs are eligible to apply with DHCS to participate in the APM. DHCS anticipates releasing applications for the APM every year, year-over-year. While the APM is voluntary and FQHCs may select the parent NPIs to participate in the APM, all affected sites under each parent NPI’s PPS rate in the APM must participate, including intermittent and mobile units/sites. FQHC application content requirements reference data collection around alternative encounters, including data for alternative patient contacts (including telehealth) and office visit codes billed with telehealth modifiers. Additional information is provided regarding calculating the APM and how alternative encounters will be factored in and not variable in rate setting.
See the included Alternative Care Service Coding guidance which lists the HCPCS and CPT codes that must be used by MCPs and FQHCs for Alternative Encounters for non-traditional providers and/or non-traditional FQHC services. If an alternative care service is provided through telehealth, the additional modifier GQ must be used. All telehealth services must be provided in accordance with DHCS policy.
SOURCE: CA Dept. of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Provider News: New Alternative Payment Methodology Program for FQHC Providers. Feb. 7, 2025. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
New Public Fee-For-Service Provider Directory
Providers must input information for each of their service locations that are enrolled with Medi-Cal. Provider Portal Organization Administrators and National Provider Identifier (NPI) Administrators will answer a series of questions, including whether providers are offering covered services via telehealth.
SOURCE: CA Dept. of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Provider News: New Public Fee-For-Service Provider Directory. May 19, 2025; CA Dept. of Health Care Services (DHCS). All Plan Letter 25-014. Sept. 26, 2025; CA Dept. of Health Care Services. BHIN 25-026. Jul. 2025. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Network Adequacy
Medicaid must ensure that all managed care covered services are available and accessible to enrollees of Medicaid managed care plans in a timely manner. Telehealth can be used as a means to meet time and distance standards in some circumstances.
- The department may authorize a Medi-Cal managed care plan to use clinically appropriate video synchronous interaction, as defined in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 2290.5 of the Business and Professions Code, as a means of demonstrating compliance with the time or distance standards established pursuant to this section, as defined by the department. The use of telehealth providers to meet time or distance standards does not absolve the Medi-Cal managed care plan of responsibility to provide a beneficiary with access, including transportation, to in-person services if the beneficiary prefers.
- The department may develop policies for granting credit in the determination of compliance with time or distance standards established pursuant to this section when Medi-Cal managed care plans contract with specified providers to use clinically appropriate video synchronous interaction, as defined in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 2290.5 of the Business and Professions Code, and only for Medi-Cal managed care plans that cover at least 85 percent of the population points in the ZIP Code.
- Effective no sooner than contract periods commencing on or after January 1, 2026, the Medi-Cal managed care plan shall inform enrollees of their option to use or not use telehealth, covered transportation services, or out-of-network providers to access covered services if the health care provider is located outside of the time or distance standards specified in subdivision (c) in a manner specified by the department.
See APL and recently updated statute for additional details.
SOURCE: CA Welfare and Institutions Code Sec. 14197 as amended by SB 530 (2025 Session) & CA Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). All Plan Letter 23-001: Network Certification Requirements. Jan. 6, 2023. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Behavioral health plans are permitted to use the synchronous mode of telehealth services to meet network adequacy standards, and/or as a basis for an Alternative Access Standard (AAS) request. However, 85% of members must reside within the required time or distance standards for provider types by zip code. In order to utilize telehealth to fulfill network adequacy requirements for time or distance standards, telehealth services must be provided to members in the defined service area. In addition, the physical location where members receive telehealth services must meet the State’s time or distance standards or approved AAS. If using telehealth to meet either network adequacy standards or AAS, BHPs, IBHPs and DMC-IBHDS’ must submit information to DHCS on their telehealth providers.
See APL for additional details.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services. Behavioral Health Information Notice 25-013: 2024 Network Certification Requirements for County MHPs and DMC-ODS Plans. Apr. 25, 2025. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Timely Access Standards – The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) may allow telehealth appointments to account for Medi-Cal managed care plan (MCP) compliance with timely access standards as long as Members have a right to choose an in-person appointment. If a Provider offers a telehealth appointment sooner than an in-person appointment, DHCS may use the telehealth appointment when calculating the minimum performance level (MPL). See ongoing guidance APL and the following attachments for additional information:
- Attachment A- Network Adequacy Enforcement – MCPs may use various methods to improve their compliance with Network adequacy requirements including, but not limited to, utilizing telehealth, correcting data quality issues, and expanding their Provider Network.
- Attachment B- Timely Access Standards Enforcement – MCPs may use various methods to improve their compliance with timely access requirements including, but not limited to, utilizing Telehealth, electronic consultations, and offering advanced access scheduling when clinically appropriate and Medically Necessary
SOURCE: CA Dept. of Health Care Services. All Plan Letter (APL) 25-006: Timely Access Requirements. Revised Nov. 18, 2025. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Emergency Clinic Telephonic Services
Telehealth services, telephonic services and other specified services must be reimbursed when provided by specific entities during or immediately following an emergency, subject to the Department obtaining federal approval and matching funds. The Department is required to issue guidance for entities to facilitate reimbursement for telehealth or telephonic services in emergency situations by July 1, 2020.
SOURCE: Welfare and Institutions Code Sec. 14132.723 & 724. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Privileges/Credentialing
Issues of privileges and credentialing for distant physicians to care for patients via telehealth are determined by the policies of the originating hospital. Hospitals can accept the privileges and credentials for providers at distant hospitals.
SOURCE: Telehealth FAQs, Providers. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
COVID Telehealth Flexibilities
The department shall seek any federal approvals it deems necessary to extend the approved waiver or flexibility implemented pursuant to subdivision (a), as of July 1, 2021, that are related to the delivery and reimbursement of services via telehealth modalities in the Medi-Cal program. Subject to subdivision (e), the department shall implement those extended waivers or flexibilities for which federal approval is obtained, to commence on the first calendar day immediately following the last calendar day of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency period, and through December 31, 2022.
The department may authorize the use of remote patient monitoring as an allowable telehealth modality for covered health care services and provider types it deems appropriate for dates of service on or after July 1, 2021. The department may establish a fee schedule for applicable health care services delivered via remote patient monitoring.
For purposes of informing the 2022–23 proposed Governor’s Budget, released in January 2022, the department shall convene an advisory group consisting of consultants, subject matter experts, and other affected stakeholders to provide recommendations to inform the department in establishing and adopting billing and utilization management protocols for telehealth modalities to increase access and equity and reduce disparities in the Medi-Cal program. The advisory group shall analyze the impact of telehealth in increased access for patients, changes in health quality outcomes and utilization, best practices for the appropriate mix of in-person visits and telehealth, and the benefits or liabilities of any practice or care model changes that have resulted from telephonic visits.
SOURCE: AB 133, Sec. 380 (2021 Session). (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Act
As a component of the initiative, the State Department of Health Care Services, or its contracted vendor, may award competitive grants to entities it deems qualified for certain purposes regarding behavioral health services for children and youth. Allowable activities for grant distribution include, but are not limited to, implementing telehealth equipment and virtual systems in schools or near schools.
As a component of the initiative, the State Department of Health Care Services shall make incentive payments to qualifying Medi-Cal managed care plans that meet predefined goals and metrics developed pursuant to subdivision (b) associated with targeted interventions that increase access to preventive, early intervention and behavioral health services by school-affiliated behavioral health providers for K-12 children in schools. Interventions, goals, and metrics include, but are not limited to increasing telehealth in schools and ensure students have access to technological equipment.
Consent
The department shall develop, in consultation with affected stakeholders, an informational notice to be distributed to fee-for-service Medi-Cal beneficiaries and for use by Medi-Cal managed care plans in communicating to their enrollees. Information in the notice shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
- The availability of Medi-Cal covered telehealth services.
- The beneficiary’s right to access all medically necessary covered services through in-person, face-to-face visits, and a provider’s and Medi-Cal managed care plan’s responsibility to offer or arrange for that in-person care, as applicable.
- An explanation that use of telehealth is voluntary and that consent for the use of telehealth can be withdrawn by the Medi-Cal beneficiary at any time without affecting their ability to access covered Medi-Cal services in the future.
- An explanation of the availability of Medi-Cal coverage for transportation services to in-person visits when other available resources have been reasonably exhausted.
- Notification of the beneficiary’s right to make complaints about the offer of telehealth services in lieu of in-person care or about the quality of care delivered through telehealth.
The informational notice shall be translated into threshold languages determined by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 14029.91 and provided in a format that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
This subdivision does not apply to Medi-Cal covered services delivered by providers via any telehealth modality to eligible inmates in state prisons, county jails, or youth correctional facilities.
SOURCE: Welfare and Institutions Code 14132.725 (e). (Accessed Jan. 2026).
DHCS Telehealth Research and Evaluation Plan
On or before January 1, 2023, the department shall develop a research and evaluation plan that does all of the following:
- Proposes strategies to analyze the relationship between telehealth and the following: access to care, access to in-person care, quality of care, and Medi-Cal program costs, utilization, and program integrity.
- Examines issues using an equity framework that includes stratification by available geographic and demographic factors, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, primary language, age, and gender, to understand inequities and disparities in care.
- Prioritizes research and evaluation questions that directly inform Medi-Cal policy.
SOURCE: Welfare and Institutions Code 14132.725 (g). (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Medi-Cal Telehealth Utilization Dashboard
As part of an overall initiative aimed at monitoring telehealth utilization within Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is building a foundation to further evaluate telehealth data in the form of data analytics which includes the below Interactive Telehealth Dashboard. The dashboard includes comprehensive data on Medical Services, Mental Health, Drug Medi-Cal, and Dental services related to telehealth utilization, offering insights across multiple years and demographic dimensions. See Telehealth Dashboard and Medi-Cal Telehealth website for more information.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal & Telehealth & CA Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Telehealth Utilization Dashboard. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Commencing in 2028 and every two years thereafter, the department shall use Medi-Cal data and other data sources available to the department to produce analyses in a publicly available Medi-Cal telehealth utilization report. The department may include the analyses described above in each of the department’s Biennial Telehealth Utilization Reports. A report may be an update to the department’s Biennial Telehealth Utilization Report, if the department continues to publish that report since its inception in 2024, or it may be a different applicable report published by the department. The analyses described in subdivision (a) shall address telehealth access and utilization data, including all of the following:
- Telehealth visits per 100,000 Medi-Cal member months. This information shall be disaggregated by demographics and other metrics, including, but not limited to, age group, race and ethnicity, sex, primary language, county, county size, aid code group, and Medi-Cal managed care plan.
- Telehealth visits and all outpatient visits.
- Commonly utilized Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for outpatient telehealth visits.
- Percentage of Medi-Cal members by number of telehealth claims.
- Utilization of telehealth by Medi-Cal members with multiple claims with a higher-than-average rate of use. This information shall be disaggregated by demographics and other metrics, including, but not limited to, age group, race and ethnicity, sex, primary language, aid code group, and number and percentage of telehealth utilizers per reporting period.
- Telehealth visits of specialty mental health services and nonspecialty mental health services.
- Telehealth visits of outpatient dental services.
- New patient telehealth claims utilization by modality mix.
- Established patient telehealth claims utilization by modality mix.
- Commonly utilized medical outpatient health services delivered via telehealth.
- Telehealth visits as a percentage of all medical outpatient health services.
Wherever possible based on the availability of data, the analyses shall be disaggregated by geographic, demographic, and social determinants of health categories to identify disparities. Social determinants of health categories may be approximated using existing data sources, including the Healthy Places Index or similar indices. In addition to the data elements described above, the department shall identify other data elements, including, but not limited to, data on patient outcomes and population health, for inclusion in future reports to help to identify and address access-to-care issues or provide greater insight into utilization of telehealth modalities.
HIPAA/Privacy Compliance
Applicable health care services provided through asynchronous store and forward, video synchronous interaction, audio-only synchronous interaction, remote patient monitoring, or other permissible virtual communication modalities as described in this section shall comply with the privacy and security requirements contained in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 found in Parts 160 and 164 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Medicaid State Plan, and any other applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
SOURCE: Welfare and Institutions Code 14132.725 (h). (Accessed Jan. 2026).
California Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework
On or before January 1, 2026, the Department of Health Care Access and Information shall take over the establishment, implementation, and all of the functions related to the California Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework, including the data sharing agreement and policies and procedures, from the California Health and Human Services Agency. The California Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework shall include a single data sharing agreement and common set of policies and procedures that will leverage and advance national standards for information exchange and data content, and that will govern and require the exchange of health information among health care entities and government agencies in California. A stakeholder advisory group shall provide information and advice to the department on health and social services information technology issues, including addressing the privacy, security, and equity risks of expanding care coordination, health information exchange, access, and telehealth in a dynamic technological, and entrepreneurial environment, where data and network security are under constant threat of attack.
Telehealth Requirements
Pursuant to an effective date designated by the department that is no sooner than January 1, 2024, a Medi-Cal provider – including FQHCs/RHCs – furnishing applicable health care services via audio-only synchronous interaction shall also offer those same health care services via video synchronous interaction to preserve beneficiary choice. The department may provide specific exceptions to the requirement based on a Medi-Cal provider’s access to requisite technologies, which shall be developed in consultation with affected stakeholders and published in departmental guidance. In making such exceptions, the department may also take into consideration the availability of broadband access based on speed standards set by the Federal Communications Commission or other applicable federal law or regulation.
Pursuant to an effective date designated by the department that is no sooner than January 1, 2024, a Medi-Cal provider – including FQHCs/RHCs – furnishing applicable health care services via synchronous video interaction or audio-only synchronous interaction shall also offer those same health care services in-person or facilitate access to in-person services for the patient. The department shall consider additional recommendations from affected stakeholders regarding the need to maintain access to in-person services without unduly restricting access to telehealth services.
SOURCE: Welfare and Institutions Code 14132.725 & Welfare and Institutions Code 14132.100 (slight updates to this section scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026 pursuant to AB 116 (2025 Session). (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Patient Choice of Telehealth Modality
Medi-Cal providers can offer a variety of telehealth modalities for covered Medi-Cal services to the extent that the service can be appropriately rendered via the allowable telehealth modalities. However, health care providers are not required to offer telehealth modality options, although DHCS strongly encourages them to do so to promote greater access to care and reduce barriers. Providers who choose to offer telehealth modalities are required to offer members the ability to choose whether they want to receive covered Medi-Cal services via:
- Synchronous, interactive audio/visual telecommunication systems (for example, video) or
- Synchronous, telephone or other interactive audio-only telecommunications systems.
While Medi-Cal providers may offer both video and audio-only (telephone) telehealth modalities, members may freely choose, and change at any time, their desired telehealth modalities, which includes the ability to decline video modalities and select audio-only (telephone) modalities if preferred and/or necessary given the member’s needs. For example, if the visit is related to sensitive services as defined in subsection (s) of Section 56.05 of the Civil Code, then the member may prefer to utilize an audio-only (telephone) modality. Members shall be given the choice of how they receive their covered Medi-Cal benefits and services that may be delivered appropriately via telehealth modalities.
Exception to Telehealth Modalities Provider Requirement
Since broadband is necessary to ensure quality and effective visual communication between Medi-Cal providers and members, Medi-Cal providers are exempt from the requirement to offer both telehealth modalities if the Medi-Cal provider does not have access to broadband. Note: Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies, such as fiber, wireless, satellite, digital subscriber line, and cable. For the purposes of delivering telehealth services to members, DHCS uses the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) definition of broadband and the FCC minimum mbps upload/download speeds. Medi-Cal providers claiming this exception must maintain appropriate supporting documentation, which should be made available to DHCS upon request. For example, supporting documentation might include confirmation from an internet services provider regarding the lack of broadband service in a particular coverage area.
Right to In-person Services
Health care providers furnishing services to members through telehealth modalities must also either offer services in-person or have a documented process in place to link members to in-person care within a reasonable time if in-person services are unavailable from the health care provider.
If the health care provider chooses to link the member to in-person care to satisfy this requirement, then they must provide a referral to and facilitation of in-person care that does not require a member to independently contact a different health care provider to arrange for such care. The health care provider may initiate a process by which a different health care provider in their office or an affiliated in-person care site contacts the member directly to schedule an in-person visit.
The referring health care provider or a member of their staff must confirm they have at least attempted to contact the member to schedule an in-person appointment. However, the referring health care provider is not required to schedule an appointment with a different provider on behalf of the member. The health care provider must offer referral and facilitation support that is minimally burdensome to the member.
Health care providers must maintain documentation of their process to link members to in person care, which should be made available to DHCS upon request.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Part 2 General Medicine Manual. Telehealth (Nov. 2025). Pg. 8-9. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Medi-Cal Enrollment Procedure and Exemptions for Remote Mental Health Services
Effective March 29, 2023, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is establishing Medi-Cal provider enrollment requirements and procedures that will be exempt from certain established place of business requirements for the following modes of service:
- Remote service providers who offer mental health services exclusively through telehealth modalities, and
- Transportation providers located in California.
In accordance with Welfare & Institutions (W&I) Code Section 14043.75(b), enrollment requirements and procedures are established for providers offering Medi-Cal covered mental health services exclusively through telehealth modalities, including non-specialty mental health services (NSMHS) covered under Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans and Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) covered by county mental health plans, and for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) providers.
The following provider types are able to apply for enrollment as remote service-only providers:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers;
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists;
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors;
- Nurse Practitioners specializing in Psychiatry;
- Physicians specializing in Psychiatry; and
- Psychologists
Remote service providers requesting consideration for enrollment in the Medi-Cal program must complete and submit an application for their appropriate provider type through the Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) portal with the required supporting documents and a completed and signed Remote Services-Only Provider Attestation. For more detailed information, providers may refer to the Requirements and Procedures for the Medi-Cal Enrollment of Providers Offering Services Remotely or Indirectly from their Business Address located on the Provider Enrollment page of the Medi-Cal Provider website.
SOURCE: CA Dept. of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal Update – Psychological Services. Feb. 2023. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS)
CBAS Emergency Remote Services (ERS) are authorized under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) 1115 Demonstration Waiver (Waiver) that was implemented October 1, 2022. CBAS supports and services delivered in the community, at the doorstep or in the home, and via telehealth allow for immediate response during participant emergencies. DHCS and MCPs are required to cover ERS as part of the CBAS benefit when participants meet the criteria established in ERS policy, including that ERS is determined to be the appropriate service for the participant and their emergency situation, and the CBAS provider meets the criteria specified in this ACL. See ACL for additional information.
SOURCE: CA Dept. of Health Care Services. All Center Letter 22-04. Launch of New CBAS ERS. Oct. 2023. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Signature Requirement for Medication Delivery
In accordance with W&I Code, Section 14043.341, providers must obtain either a handwritten or electronic signature for prescription medications sent to a client. Providers may obtain the signature of a client or the recipient either before the medication is sent, or upon receipt when delivered to the client.
Signature Prior to Delivery – Providers have two options to obtain a client’s signature when the client is not in person, such as during a telehealth visit:
- Recorded oral signature: Providers must ensure that they are able to collect an audio or video recording that can be stored in the provider’s case record and retrieved upon request. Providers may use either of the following two options for audio or videorecorded signatures
- Recording only the signature portion of the telehealth visit. When recording only the signature portion of the visit, providers must record the portion of the visit where the client acknowledges and confirms the medications they will be receiving and provides their understanding that the oral signature holds the same weight as a written signature; or –
- Recording the entire visit with the oral signature included
- Electronic signature: Providers may obtain an electronic signature. Consistent with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, California Civil Code Section 1633.2, an “electronic signature” is an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the electronic record. An electronic signature includes a “digital signature” defined in subdivision (d) of Section 16.5 of the Government Code to mean an electronic identifier, created by a computer, intended by the party using it to have the same force and effect as a manual signature. Regardless of the type of electronic signature collected, providers must ensure that they are able to store and/or easily access documentation of the electronic signature in the client’s medical record
Signature upon Receipt of Delivery – Providers may obtain a client’s handwritten or electric signature upon receipt of delivery if the delivery service offers physical or electronic return receipts, such as those offered through the United States Postal Service. Providers must retain documentation of the signature in the client’s medical record.
SOURCE: CA DHCS Medi-Cal Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities Manual. (Jan. 2025). Pg. 20-21. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Medi-Cal Managed Care and Behavioral Health Plans – Adult and Youth Screening and Transition of Care Tools for Medi-Cal Mental Health Services
The Screening and Transition of Care Tools for Medi-Cal Mental Health Services guide referrals to the Medi-Cal mental health delivery system (i.e., Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) or county Behavioral Health Plan (BHP) that is expected to best support each Member. DHCS is requiring MCPs and BHPs to use the Screening and Transition of Care Tools for Members under age 21 (youth) and for Members ages 21 years and older (adults) unless the member is currently receiving mental health services through the MCP or BHP; or referred directly to a mental health delivery system by a Practitioner based on an understanding of the member’s needs and using their own clinical judgment; or the member reaches out directly to the mental health delivery system.
Screening and transition of care tools may be administered by designated MCP/BHP staff, licensed or unlicensed, who are trained by the MCP/BHP to administer the tools in alignment with MCP/BHP protocols, and may be administered in a variety of ways, including in person, by telephone, or by video conference.
SOURCE: CA Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). All Plan Letter 25-010: Adult and Youth Screening and Transition of Care Tools. Jun. 3, 2025 & DHCS. Behavioral Health Information Notice 25-020: Adult and Youth Screening and Transition of Care Tools. Jun. 3, 2025. (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Oral Health for People with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center Program
No later than July 1, 2027, the State Department of Developmental Services shall contract with a public or private California dental school or college to administer the Oral Health for People with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center Program. The purpose of the program is to improve dental care services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities by reducing or eliminating the need for dental treatment using sedation and general anesthesia. The contract shall expire on June 30, 2032. The contracted school or partnership shall meet various qualifications, including successfully having used teledentistry-supported systems to bring dental care to people with developmental disabilities in community settings.
See statute for additional details.
SOURCE: CA Welfare and Institutions Code 4698.50 as added by AB 341 (2025 Session). (Accessed Jan. 2026).
Virtual Health Hub for Rural Communities Pilot Program
The State Department of Public Health shall award grants to community-based organizations to establish and deploy virtual health hubs to expand access to health services for farmworkers in rural communities by providing virtual connections to health care providers, mental health services, and educational services to help improve health outcomes in underserved communities. A “virtual health hub” means a vehicle or portable facility that is equipped with, at a minimum, computers, Wi-Fi, cubicles for virtual visits, and exam rooms for telemedicine. In evaluating grant proposals, the department shall give priority to community-based organizations that meet certain criteria, including having existing infrastructure, or a clearly defined plan to offer or facilitate virtual or telehealth services, including access to private consultation space, digital equipment, or partnerships with licensed providers.
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