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Bill

AB 543

Medi-Cal: field medicine.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sade Elhawary and 5 co-sponsors

AB 543 expands Medi-Cal to cover field medicine services delivered in community settings, improving healthcare access for underserved Californians outside traditional clinics.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 374, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 543

Legislative bill overview

AB 543 expands Medi-Cal coverage to include field medicine services, allowing qualified practitioners to provide medical care in community settings outside traditional clinical environments. The bill was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed into law in October 2025, becoming Chapter 374 of the 2025 Statutes.

Why is this important

Field medicine programs can improve healthcare access for underserved populations, homeless individuals, and rural communities by bringing care directly to where people are located rather than requiring them to navigate traditional healthcare facilities. This approach can reduce emergency department utilization, improve preventive care delivery, and address health equity gaps in California's safety-net system.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice ambiguity: The bill's definition of "field medicine" and which practitioners qualify (paramedics, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, etc.) may create implementation challenges and scope-of-practice disputes with existing medical professions
  • Quality and accountability standards: Establishing consistent clinical standards, supervision requirements, and oversight mechanisms for care delivered outside regulated clinical settings requires clear regulatory guidance
  • Reimbursement rates and fiscal impact: Determining appropriate Medi-Cal payment rates for field medicine services and projecting long-term program costs could strain budget planning

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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