To help more unhoused patients, LA street medics push to change state law

A proposed bill in California’s state Legislature would expand the services street medicine programs can offer unhoused people.

Advocates say the reforms are badly needed — street medics are currently blocked from providing key primary care services such as specialist referrals and access to medical supplies like wheelchairs due to insurance requirements.

Opponents say the expansion would be too expensive — and comes at a time when the state is facing significant budget challenges.

Let’s take a closer look.

What’s the backstory?

Street medicine programs bring health care straight to people living outside on sidewalks, in riverbeds or under bridges all across California. Physicians typically drive dozens of miles a day and carry backpacks to visit unhoused patients directly in tent