SB 923, the TGI Inclusive Care Act, has passed the Senate and is headed for Governor Newsom’s Desk!

Senate Bill 923, the TGI Inclusive Care Act, passed the Senate on Thursday afternoon by a vote of 31-8, and is now on its way to Governor Newsom’s desk. During a time when many states are actively passing bills that attack the trans community, California is becoming the leader in protecting the rights for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex (TGI) people across the country.

“Now, more than ever, it is vital that we stand together against these anti-trans bills.” said Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director of TransFamily Support Services. “Our TGI kids and adults deserve access to affirming care. Everybody deserves access to quality care that doesn’t undermine or invalidate their identities, but affirms and protects them.”

Unfortunately, many TGI Californians encounter discrimination and difficulty accessing the health care they need. TGI Californians report discrimination including being refused treatment, verbally harassed, physically or sexually assaulted, or having to teach their providers about the transgender community in order to receive appropriate care.

This legislation will help create a more inclusive and culturally competent healthcare system for TGI people in California by requiring:

  • That physician Continuing Medical Education (CME) include evidence-based culturally competent curriculum to help physicians provide inclusive care for TGI people
  • That the Health and Human Services Agency issue enforceable quality standards for treating TGI patients and recommend curriculum working collaboratively with Departments and TGI-serving organizations
  • That health insurance companies provide TGI cultural competency training for their staff and delegated entities who are in direct contact with patients
  • That health insurance companies, in their network directories, include a list of in-network providers who offer gender-affirming services, so that TGI people know where to go for specialized care
  • That the relevant oversight agencies track and monitor complaints relating to TGI-inclusive care and publicly post findings in their annual reports or website 

 

SB 923 is co-sponsored by Break The Binary LLC, California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, California TRANScends, Equality California, Gender Justice LA, National Health Law Program, Orange County TransLatinas, Queer Works, Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance, San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives, The TransPower Project, TransCanWork, Trans Community Project, TransFamily Support Services, Transgender Health and Wellness Center, Tranz of Anarchii INC, Unique Woman’s Coalition (UWC), Unity Hope, and Western Center on Law & Poverty.