California Assembly Bill AB3149

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/24
• Refer: 3/18/24
• Report Pass: 3/18/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Report Pass: 4/17/24
• Refer: 4/22/24
• Refer: 5/8/24

Caption

Promotores and Promotoras Advisory and Oversight Workgroup.

Impact

The bill aims to strengthen the connection between health services and underserved communities by enhancing accessibility to Medi-Cal and community health services. The workgroup is charged with advising the department to make sure that community health worker services are available to all eligible beneficiaries. Additionally, the workgroup is responsible for ensuring that the training and outreach materials for Promotores are culturally and linguistically appropriate, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.

Summary

Assembly Bill 3149 establishes the Promotores and Promotoras Advisory and Oversight Workgroup in California to enhance the implementation of community health worker services within the Medi-Cal program. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, the California Health and Human Services Agency will convene this workgroup, comprising individuals with extensive experience in community health work, specifically those familiar with Promotores. This workgroup must be diverse and include at least 51% Promotores to ensure representation from communities that benefit from these services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 3149 is generally positive among supporters who highlight the importance of community health workers in bridging gaps in health care access. The bill acknowledges the vital role that Promotores play in helping marginalized communities navigate health services. This recognition is seen as a step toward promoting health equity and ensuring that the specific needs of underrepresented populations are addressed adequately.

Contention

While the bill received support, some concerns were raised regarding the bureaucratic process and the effectiveness of convening the workgroup. Detractors argue that without clear guidelines and sufficient funding, the initiative may not achieve its intended goals. The success of the workgroup will depend largely on the department's commitment to implementing its recommendations and actively involving Promotores in decision-making processes that affect their communities.