AB 1973: Reporting crimes.

Existing law requires specified health practitioners who have knowledge of or observe a patient who the practitioner knows or reasonably suspects has suffered from a wound or injury inflicted by specified types of conduct to report to a law enforcement agency, as specified. A violation of these provisions is a crime.

This bill would extend those reporting duties to health practitioners, as defined, employed by local government agencies, including, among others, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, as specified, and to employees of entities under contract with local government agencies to provide medical services. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.