Amended IN Senate June 19, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 30, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 19, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1790Introduced by Assembly Members Salas, Fong, and Grayson Salas and Grayson(Principal coauthor: Senator Fuller)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Bigelow, Bonta, Caballero, Cooper, Cunningham, Flora, Fong, Gallagher, Gray, Mathis, Medina, and Patterson)January 08, 2018 An act to add Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to valley fever.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1790, as amended, Salas. Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to establish a list of reportable communicable and noncommunicable diseases and conditions and specify the timeliness requirements related to the reporting of each disease and condition. The department is also responsible for licensing and regulating health facilities, including primary health clinics and general acute care hospitals. Existing law also supports research into the development of a vaccine to protect against valley fever (coccidioidomycosis).This bill would establish the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. The bill would require the department and local public health officers, the California Conference of Local Health Officers, by July 1, 2019, to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, as specified, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment. By imposing new duties on local public health officers, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a health care provider who knows of or is in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, to submit a report to the local health officer as required by a specified regulatory provision. The bill would require primary care clinics and general acute care hospitals to develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) is added to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, to read:PART 7.7. Valley Fever122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.122478.A health care provider, knowing of or in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, shall submit a report to the local health officer as required by Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. A primary care clinic, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1200, and a general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250, shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
Amended IN Senate June 19, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 30, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 19, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1790Introduced by Assembly Members Salas, Fong, and Grayson Salas and Grayson(Principal coauthor: Senator Fuller)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Bigelow, Bonta, Caballero, Cooper, Cunningham, Flora, Fong, Gallagher, Gray, Mathis, Medina, and Patterson)January 08, 2018 An act to add Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to valley fever.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1790, as amended, Salas. Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to establish a list of reportable communicable and noncommunicable diseases and conditions and specify the timeliness requirements related to the reporting of each disease and condition. The department is also responsible for licensing and regulating health facilities, including primary health clinics and general acute care hospitals. Existing law also supports research into the development of a vaccine to protect against valley fever (coccidioidomycosis).This bill would establish the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. The bill would require the department and local public health officers, the California Conference of Local Health Officers, by July 1, 2019, to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, as specified, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment. By imposing new duties on local public health officers, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a health care provider who knows of or is in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, to submit a report to the local health officer as required by a specified regulatory provision. The bill would require primary care clinics and general acute care hospitals to develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
Amended IN Senate June 19, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 30, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 19, 2018 Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2018
Amended IN Senate June 19, 2018
Amended IN Assembly April 30, 2018
Amended IN Assembly April 19, 2018
Amended IN Assembly April 03, 2018
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 1790
Introduced by Assembly Members Salas, Fong, and Grayson Salas and Grayson(Principal coauthor: Senator Fuller)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Bigelow, Bonta, Caballero, Cooper, Cunningham, Flora, Fong, Gallagher, Gray, Mathis, Medina, and Patterson)January 08, 2018
Introduced by Assembly Members Salas, Fong, and Grayson Salas and Grayson(Principal coauthor: Senator Fuller)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Bigelow, Bonta, Caballero, Cooper, Cunningham, Flora, Fong, Gallagher, Gray, Mathis, Medina, and Patterson)
January 08, 2018
An act to add Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to valley fever.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1790, as amended, Salas. Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.
Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to establish a list of reportable communicable and noncommunicable diseases and conditions and specify the timeliness requirements related to the reporting of each disease and condition. The department is also responsible for licensing and regulating health facilities, including primary health clinics and general acute care hospitals. Existing law also supports research into the development of a vaccine to protect against valley fever (coccidioidomycosis).This bill would establish the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. The bill would require the department and local public health officers, the California Conference of Local Health Officers, by July 1, 2019, to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, as specified, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment. By imposing new duties on local public health officers, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a health care provider who knows of or is in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, to submit a report to the local health officer as required by a specified regulatory provision. The bill would require primary care clinics and general acute care hospitals to develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to establish a list of reportable communicable and noncommunicable diseases and conditions and specify the timeliness requirements related to the reporting of each disease and condition. The department is also responsible for licensing and regulating health facilities, including primary health clinics and general acute care hospitals. Existing law also supports research into the development of a vaccine to protect against valley fever (coccidioidomycosis).
This bill would establish the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. The bill would require the department and local public health officers, the California Conference of Local Health Officers, by July 1, 2019, to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, as specified, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment. By imposing new duties on local public health officers, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a health care provider who knows of or is in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, to submit a report to the local health officer as required by a specified regulatory provision. The bill would require primary care clinics and general acute care hospitals to develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) is added to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, to read:PART 7.7. Valley Fever122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.122478.A health care provider, knowing of or in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, shall submit a report to the local health officer as required by Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. A primary care clinic, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1200, and a general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250, shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) is added to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, to read:PART 7.7. Valley Fever122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.122478.A health care provider, knowing of or in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, shall submit a report to the local health officer as required by Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. A primary care clinic, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1200, and a general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250, shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.
SECTION 1. Part 7.7 (commencing with Section 122475) is added to Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
PART 7.7. Valley Fever122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.122478.A health care provider, knowing of or in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, shall submit a report to the local health officer as required by Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. A primary care clinic, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1200, and a general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250, shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.
PART 7.7. Valley Fever122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.122478.A health care provider, knowing of or in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, shall submit a report to the local health officer as required by Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. A primary care clinic, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1200, and a general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250, shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.
PART 7.7. Valley Fever
PART 7.7. Valley Fever
122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.
122475. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.
122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.
122476. (a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.
(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.
(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.
(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red, red spotty rash.
(e) In areas with valley fever, it is difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.
122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.
122477. (a) By July 1, 2019, the department and local public health officers the California Conference of Local Health Officers shall work together to make available protocols and guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate professional health care organizations, for educating physicians and other health care providers, including, but not limited to, those specified in Section 122478, regarding the most recent scientific and medical information on valley fever etiology, transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment.
(b) The protocols and guidelines referenced in subdivision (a) may include, but need not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) Tracking and reporting of cases of valley fever by health care professionals and public health officials.
(2) Surveillance programs to determine the prevalence of valley fever in the population at large and in high-risk populations.
(3) Public education and outreach programs to raise awareness of valley fever, including programs targeted to reach high-risk individuals. Education programs may provide information and referrals on valley fever including, but not limited to, education materials developed by health-related companies, community-based or national advocacy organizations, counseling, patient support groups, and existing hotlines for consumers.
A health care provider, knowing of or in attendance on a case or suspected case of valley fever, shall submit a report to the local health officer as required by Section 2500 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. A primary care clinic, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 1200, and a general acute care hospital, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1250, shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy and procedure regarding required reporting to the local health officer.
SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 2.