New California Law to Require Referrals to HIV Specialists

A California law requiring HMOs to refer HIV-infected patients to AIDS specialists is slated to take effect in mid-January. Gov. Gray Davis signed the legislation in September 2000, but its implementation was delayed as the state and California physicians worked to craft a definition of what constitutes an HIV/AIDS specialist, according to AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the nation's largest AIDS organization. The law gives HMO patients a legal right to obtain care from physicians who have "demonstrated expertise" in treating AIDS. Regulations defining an HIV/AIDS specialist and outlining other requirements have been filed with the Secretary of State's office and will take effect Jan. 16, AHF said. Qualified physicians must meet one of four criteria to be considered an HIV/AIDS specialist. A physician credentialed as an HIV specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine is deemed to meet the definition. "This is an important milestone for all Californians living with HIV/AIDS who are covered by managed care plans," said Assemblymember Martin Gallegos (D-Los Angeles), the bill's author. "This bill and these regulations will help save lives."

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