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86 health proposal on August 27, 1997. After introduction of the plan, the Secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency held meetings with numerous stakeholder groups to obtain their feedback on the proposal. Using the Governor’s proposal as a framework, the state legislative package (AB 1126, SB 903, AB 217, and AB 1572) was developed through a joint “Health Access” conference committee. The conference committee held several open committee meetings, during which time the public was invited to offer feedback on the proposal.

Since the passage of the enabling legislation, the state staff has met with numerous interested parties to solicit feedback on the design and implementation of the state plan. Some examples of such interested parties are: the Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies, the California Association of Public Hospitals, the California Medical Association, the California Primary Care Association, the Local Health Plans of California, the DHS Multicultural Task Force, representatives of the Private Essential Access Community Hospitals, the California HealthCare Foundation, the Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Managed Care Oversight Council, the Children’s Hospital Association, the Child Health Policy Advisory Committee, and the Statewide Parent-Teacher Association.

Furthermore, California held two public forums to receive input from the community to implement its children’s health program. The forums, held in Oakland, were hosted by the state. Over 400 people attended and roughly 60 gave public testimony regarding Healthy Families implementation.

DHCS has also solicited input specifically relating to the development of the Healthy Families outreach campaign through a series of eight meetings with representatives of counties, program agencies, community based organizations, advocacy groups, health plans and providers.

The public had the opportunity to offer input as to the implementation of the Program on an ongoing basis, through opportunities to provide input directly to the state or through the Advisory Board established in statute. The state maintains an extensive mailing list for individuals and entities who want to receive information. Mailing list subscribers receive agendas and minutes of Board meetings and draft regulations. California holds open meetings twice monthly, where it solicits public input on draft regulations prior to adopting them. In addition to receiving oral feedback from the public during public meetings, state staff distribute copies of all correspondence regarding the implementation to all.

The enabling legislation also established a 14 member Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel includes representatives from the subscriber population, primary care clinics, disproportionate share hospitals, mental health providers, substance abuse providers, county public health providers, health plans, the education community, and the business