BlackletterCalifornia law

Government Code § 8669.84

ARTICLE 23. California Emergency Medical Services Peer Support and Crisis Referral Services

Current as of September 28, 2026Gov. Code, § 8669.84Official source ↗

Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 744, Sec. 1. (AB 2859) Effective January 1, 2025.

(a) Other than in a criminal proceeding, an EMS personnel, whether or not a party to an action, has a right to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another from disclosing, a confidential communication between the EMS personnel and a peer support team member made while the peer support team member was providing peer support services, or a confidential communication made to a crisis hotline or crisis referral service.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a confidential communication may be disclosed under the following circumstances:

(1) To refer an EMS personnel to receive crisis referral services by a peer support team member.

(2) During a consultation between two peer support team members.

(3) If the peer support team member reasonably believes that disclosure is necessary to prevent death, substantial bodily harm, or commission of a crime.

(4) If the EMS personnel expressly agrees in writing that the confidential communication may be disclosed.

(5) If the disclosure is made pursuant to a court order in a civil proceeding.

(6) In a criminal proceeding.

(7) If otherwise required by law.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a crisis hotline or crisis referral service may disclose confidential information communicated by an EMS personnel to prevent reasonably certain death, substantial bodily harm, or commission of a crime.

(d) This section does not limit an obligation of a mandated reporter to report instances of abuse as required by law, including as required by Section 11166 of the Penal Code.