AB 257: Specialty care networks: telehealth and other virtual services.

The bill aims to improve access to specialty care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries through a demonstration project. The project would establish a specialty care network or networks serving patients of safety-net providers, focusing on increasing access to behavioral and maternal health services and additional specialties prioritized by the agency. The network would be financially sustainable and use health information technology and technical assistance to support specialists and primary care provider coordination. The agency would administer the grant program, awarding funds to grantees based on an application process and meeting specified conditions. The project would be evaluated independently to examine its success in achieving certain objectives, including reducing structural barriers to access experienced by patients. The agency would ensure that lessons learned, recommendations, and be…