§ 150704.5. — 150704.5. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 311, Sec. 2.)

California § 150704.5.

• Jurisdiction: California
• Code HSC: Health and Safety Code - HSC
• Div. 118.5.: DIVISION 118.5. VIRTUAL HEALTH HUB FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES PILOT PROGRAM

Text

(a)
In evaluating grant proposals pursuant to this division, the department shall give priority to community-based organizations that meet one or more of the following criteria:
(1)
Provide farmworker communities with mental health support, cultural resources, educational tools, advocacy, immigration litigation support, food, or basic necessities.
(2)
A history of serving communities that are medically underserved or face significant barriers to accessing health care, including, but not limited to, low-income populations, rural communities, immigrants, individuals with limited English proficiency, or communities of color.
(3)
Provide a benefit to farmworker communities in underserved areas as defined in Section 14076 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to medically underserved populations determined under Sections 39711 and 39713, and vulnerable communities as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 71340 of the Public Resources Code.
(4)
Are culturally and linguistically aligned with the populations served, including having multilingual staff, culturally competent service delivery models, or representation from the target community within leadership or governance structures.
(5)
Have existing infrastructure, or a clearly defined plan to offer or facilitate virtual or telehealth services, including access to private consultation space, digital equipment, or partnerships with licensed providers.
(6)
Have the capacity and
willingness to collect and report deidentified, aggregate data as required by the department, including, but not limited to, age ranges, income brackets, race or ethnicity, language, and service type.
(7)
Have demonstrated collaboration with local clinics, schools, hospitals, tribal health providers, or other public or private health entities to ensure effective referral systems and service integration.
(8)
Operate or have operated within a health professional shortage area, medically underserved area, or other area designated by the department as high need.
(b)
The department may assign a weighted scoring system to these criteria. To ensure transparency and equity in funding decisions, the department shall make public any application rubric or review process used to evaluate
proposals.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 311, Sec. 2. (SB 338) Effective January 1, 2026. Conditionally inoperative December 31, 2030, pursuant to Section 150706.