SACRAMENTO – On Sept. 26, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 963 by Sen. Angelique Ashby, a California Medical Association (CMA) priority bill that will protect victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

“Emergency departments and frontline health care workers are uniquely positioned to identify victims of domestic violence and human trafficking,” said Tanya W. Spirtos, M.D., president of the California Medical Association. “Governor Newsom’s signing of SB 963 means that health care workers will be able to intervene and provide resources to victims in a safe, confidential, and timely manner.”

“Emergency department personnel have the highest likelihood of coming into contact with human trafficking victims,” said emergency physician Adam Dougherty, M.D. “This law will allow emergency room staff to connect victims of trafficking to services and break the cycle of abuse.”

SB 963 requires the implementation of human trafficking and domestic violence programs allowing self-identification in emergency departments. The bill would require the system to meet certain minimum requirements, including providing patient confidentiality, facilitating immediate interviews with medical personnel, and providing referrals to human trafficking and domestic violence services.

SB 963 was part of CMA’s priority bill package for the 2024 legislative session.