California Assembly Bill AB1683

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Failed: 2/3/20

Caption

Sexually transmitted diseases: prevention and control.

Impact

The bill establishes conditions for the distribution of funding to local health jurisdictions, emphasizing the importance of targeting based on population and incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. It outlines requirements for counties wishing to receive funding, including the necessity to identify priority populations and engage community-based partners for outreach and screening services. The structured funding approach is designed to ensure that resources are equitably distributed while also ensuring meaningful services are provided, which reflects a shift towards preventive care in public health.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1683, introduced by Assembly Member Arambula, aims to enhance the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by shifting the focus of the State Department of Public Health from maintaining clinics to providing assistance to local health jurisdictions. The bill proposes to repeal previous authority allowing direct clinics and dispensaries and instead mandates the allocation of funds for outreach, screening, and related services under certain appropriations from the Legislature. This new framework encourages local agencies to develop tailored approaches to STD prevention within their communities while maintaining oversight from the state department.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve STD management and outreach, it raises concerns regarding the potential reduction of accessible care previously provided by state-funded clinics and facilities. Critics might argue that removing direct support for clinics could leave vulnerable populations without essential health services, particularly in areas with significant STD outbreaks. On the other hand, proponents believe that empowering local jurisdictions with targeted funding will foster more innovative and relevant solutions to public health challenges in their communities.