Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Assembly Bill 340 (AB 340)

In 2019, California Governor Gavin Newson appointed pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris as California’s first-ever Surgeon General. A UC Davis School of Medicine graduate in 2001, Burke Harris is well known for her role in spreading awareness to all healthcare providers about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress.

ACEs and Toxic Stress: What We Know

Adverse Childhood Experiences consists of several categories, which include abuse, neglect, mental illness, incarceration of a relative, family violence, substance abuse and divorce. ACEs and toxic stress have a profound impact on functions of the brain and body well into adulthood. They dramatically increase the risk of many chronic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer's.

What Does AB 340 Do?

The screening of ACEs and toxic stress will help practitioners with effective individual treatment planning and interventions. Burke Harris's efforts support implementation of AB 340, which, effective as of January of 2020, sets a requirement for all Medi-Cal recipients to be screened for ACEs. AB 340 includes a $45M budget for all Medi-Cal providers screening for ACEs.

References

Burke Harris, N., Mark, Karen. (2019). ACEs Aware: Screen. Treat. Heal. PowerPoint Presentation: Dec. 4, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ACEs-Aware-Initiative-Unveiling-PPT.pdf