§ 1820 Alternate Destination Triage Rules

Health and Safety Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•Special paramedics can decide if you need to go to a hospital or somewhere else for help.
•This is only allowed if the local emergency medical services (EMS) agency says it's okay.
•This rule started in 2021 and will end in 2031 unless they change it.

Example

You call 911 because you fell and hurt your leg, but it's not super bad.

Instead of taking you to the hospital, the paramedic might decide to take you to a clinic if they think it's safe and faster for you.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1820 Alternate Destination Triage Rules

“Triage to alternate destination provider” means an advanced life support provider authorized by a local EMS agency to provide advanced life support triage paramedic assessments as part of an approved triage to alternate destination program specialty, as described in Section 1819. (Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 138, Sec. 4. (AB 1544) Effective January 1, 2021. Repealed as of January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 1857.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

triage to alternate destination provider medical hospital patient emergency port

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 1820.

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Key Takeaways

Example

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Related Statutes

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