AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL • IRIS
California Enacts Health Care Safe Spaces Law

Policy ID

CA-LA-2025-9-20
State Response
Statewide,
CA
Legislative Action

Short Description

In 2025, the California legislature amended the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act through Senate Bill 81 to designate a patient’s immigration status and place of birth as protected medical information. The revised law also now requires hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities to designate non-public areas where immigration enforcement access is restricted.

Date Adopted

09/21/2025

Updates

In November 2025, California’s Attorney General issued a bulletin directing all healthcare providers on their compliance obligations under SB 81.

See Also

California AG Releases Guidance to Law Enforcement to Prepare for Threats to Immigrant Communities

01/17/2025
Statewide
Administrative
CA

California Attorney General Releases Guidance to Courts, Schools, Shelters, and Other Locations on Immigration Enforcement

12/01/2024
Statewide
Administrative
CA