Gender Affirmation Surgery in California

by Suresh Mohan, MD, Rahul Seth, MD, and P. Daniel Knott, MD •

Dr. Mohan, Dr. Seth, and Dr. Knott are all from the division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in the department of otolaryngology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Seth also practices at Golden State Plastic Surgery in Walnut Creek, Calif.

Table 1. Selected legislative advances in California for transgender patient access to care.

YEARLAWSUMMARY
2004California Insurance Equality Act (AB 2208)Mandated coverage for registered domestic partners that’s equal to spousal coverage.
2005/2013Insurance Gender Non-Discrimination ActMandated coverage for registered domestic partners that’s equal to spousal coverage.
2008Transgender and Nonbinary Health and Equity Act (SB 1729)Required education for nursing home professionals in order to reduce discrimination against LGBTIQA+ seniors.
2018Gender Health in Foster Care (AB 2119)Mandated that child welfare agencies must ensure access to clinicians who provide gender-affirming treatment for transgender youth.
2023Transgender, gender diverse and/or intersex (TGI) Inclusive Care Act (SB 923)Required TGI-specific cultural competency training for healthcare professionals and insurance staffs.