California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a bulletin to healthcare providers, service plans, and contractors across the state outlining new legal requirements aimed at protecting immigrants’ medical information. The changes stem from Senate Bill 81 (SB 81), authored by State Senator Jesse Arreguín and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The law took effect on September 20, 2025.
Under SB 81, the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) and the Health and Safety Code have been amended to treat immigration status as protected medical data. Healthcare facilities are now required to designate certain non-public areas where access for immigration enforcement is limited.
“Immigrants deserve to receive the healthcare they need without fear. Thanks to legislation like SB 81, California is taking action to protect the personal information of immigrants receiving healthcare, and hospitals remain safe spaces to seek care without the threat of immigration enforcement,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our information bulletin aims to remind healthcare providers of their new obligations under SB 81. We expect full compliance with this vital new law and will continue to support and defend the rights of California’s immigrant communities.”
The bulletin details several key provisions:
– Place of birth and current or prior immigration status are now classified as protected “medical information” under CMIA.
– Healthcare providers must comply with all federal and California state court orders but are prohibited from following court orders issued by courts outside these jurisdictions.
– Providers must designate areas within facilities where patients receive care or discuss health information as non-public, using methods such as mapping, signage, or restricted entry.
– Access to these non-public areas for immigration purposes is not allowed unless required by state or federal law or authorized by a specific judicial warrant or court order.
– Personnel must notify management or legal counsel about any requests related to immigration enforcement, including those made through subpoenas or warrants.
– Entities should establish procedures for monitoring visitors and are encouraged to post notices at facility entrances regarding authority protocols.
These rules apply specifically to publicly funded healthcare providers but other entities are encouraged to adopt similar practices.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized ongoing efforts by his office to safeguard immigrant rights in California. He has previously released guidance designed to help immigrants understand their legal protections and avoid scams related to immigration enforcement. Reports of unlawful assistance with immigration enforcement can be submitted via oag.ca.gov/report. More information on these initiatives is available at oag.ca.gov/immigrant.
The full bulletin can be accessed online.
