LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a motion by Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, co-authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, to implement Senate Bill 81 throughout County facilities. SB81 is a newly signed California law that enhances protections for immigrant patients and ensures continued safe access to health care across medical facilities.

Senate Bill 81, authored by California State Senator Jesse Arreguín and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 20, requires health care providers to designate nonpublic areas in their facilities to prevent immigration enforcement activity in patient care spaces. The law also expands the definition of protected medical information to include immigration status and place of birth, and prohibits the disclosure of such information without a valid judicial warrant or court order.

“No one should be afraid to seek medical care because of their immigration status,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “Health care is a basic human right, and in Los Angeles County, we are committed to protecting that right for everyone, regardless of where they were born or what documents they carry. By implementing SB 81, we are sending a clear message that our hospitals and clinics are places of healing, not fear. This motion is about upholding dignity, building trust, and making sure our health care system remains safe and accessible for all members of our community.”

While Los Angeles County already enforces a Sensitive Locations policy that limits immigration enforcement in medical facilities, the motion calls for further alignment with SB 81. County departments, including Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, the Chief Executive Office’s Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Branch, the Office of Immigrant Affairs, and County Counsel, are directed to collaborate with SEIU 721, other labor partners, and relevant stakeholders. They must report back in 30 days with a written update on the implementation of SB 81, including policy changes and recommendations for additional advocacy.

“Across the County, we are seeing more of our immigrant communities forgoing vital healthcare services they need out of fear of deportation or imprisonment in ICE detention facilities. We know that delaying access to these services will lead to devastating health outcomes and higher mortality rates. The County is committed to supporting SB 81 and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that everyone, no matter their immigration status, can feel safe and protected when accessing the critical services they need,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

The motion also directs County departments to identify opportunities to standardize policies across all health facilities. This includes reviewing procedures related to visitation by family and authorized individuals, ensuring compliance with patient privacy laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, and providing training for health care staff who interact with immigration enforcement while caring for patients in custody.

SB 81 requires all health care providers to comply with its provisions within 45 days of enactment.