Court Opinions

State Laws

US Code

US Constitution

California Health And Safety Code Section 138.4

Legal Research Home > California Lawyer > Health and Safety Code > California Health And Safety Code Section 138.4

(a) The State Department of Health Care Services and the
State Department of Public Health shall place priority on providing
information to consumers, patients, and health care providers
regarding women's gynecological cancers, including, signs and
symptoms, risk factors, the benefits of early detection through
appropriate diagnostic testing, and treatment options.
   (b) The information may include, but is not limited to, the
following elements:
   (1) Educational and informational materials in print, audio,
video, electronic, or other media.
   (2) Public service announcements and advertisements.
   (c) (1)  Each department may produce or contract with others to
develop the materials described in this section as the director of
each department deems appropriate, or may survey available
publications from, among other sources, the National Cancer Institute
and the American Cancer Society, and may collect and formulate a
distribution plan and disseminate these publications according to the
plan. These materials may be made available to the public free of
charge and may include distribution through the Medical Board of
California, as well as through other sources according to the
distribution plan.
   (2) Each department may require, as it deems appropriate, health
care providers to make these materials available to patients.
   (d) In exercising the powers under this section, each department
shall consult with appropriate health care professionals and
providers, consumers, and patients, or organizations representing
them.
   (e) Each department may appoint a Women's Gynecological Cancer
Information Advisory Council which may include representation from
health care professionals and providers, consumers, patients, and
other appropriate interests.  Members of each council shall receive
no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual
and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

   (f)  Each department's duties pursuant to this section are
contingent upon that department receiving funds appropriated for this
purpose.
   (g) Each department may adopt any regulations necessary and
appropriate for that department's implementation of this section.

Last modified: January 12, 2009