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California Health Care Laws
California law governs health care and exceptions to federal laws.
Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors
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Sweeping federal legislation called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed the way insurance is procured, putting in place special rules for both health insurance providers and their customers. Prior to the ACA, health insurance primarily was regulated at the state level. But states, including California, still have the authority to pass laws and regulations affecting health care.
For example, California has at least three laws addressing the confidentiality of patients’ records that go above and beyond federal HIPAA regulations. Other state health care laws address matters such as assisted suicide, access to reproductive health services, and power of attorney. Click on a link below to learn more.
Learn About California Health Care Laws
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California Durable Power of Attorney Laws
Specifics of California’s laws regulating the durable power of attorney, a legal process by which certain decisions about a person’s health and medical care, and links to more general information.
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California Living Wills Laws
Helpful summary of California wills related to living wills and advance directives, including the legal requirements for a living will; the validity of such a will in other states; and more.
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California Euthanasia Laws
The basics of California’s Natural Death Law, which prohibits euthanasia (mercy killing) but allows for the withholding of food and medical care for terminal patients who choose to do so.
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California Medical Records Laws
Basic provisions of laws and regulations pertaining to the confidentiality of Californians’ medical records, such as who may access medical records and mandatory reporting requirements.
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