To: DHCS_PMMB@DHCS Subject: Public comment for Prop 56 Trauma Screening The AB 340 Workgroup recommended to DHCS that Medi-Cal providers be given three options for screening pediatric patients for exposure to trauma: 1) The Bay Area Research Consortium (BARC) assessment tool which focuses on trauma items only; 2) The Whole Child Assessment (WCA) tool which adds trauma items to other required elements of the Staying Healthy Assessment; and 3) An alternative tool to screen for trauma that meets minimum requirements and is approved by DHCS. The primary criteria used by the AB 340 Workgroup to evaluate screening tools was feasibility for use in pediatric primary care. The WCA has demonstrated feasibility through implementation at pediatric clinics in California, provides pediatric providers with a workflow that integrates trauma screening into routine well-child care, and helps providers prioritize time with families. Although the BARC and WCA are good options to screen for trauma, some providers may have another equally valid tool that they are already using or want to adopt. Limiting provider choice of tools may actually reduce adoption rates and work against the Governor’s proposal to encourage trauma-informed care. Therefore, to be consistent with AB 340 Workgroup recommendations and to maximize the feasibility of trauma screening by pediatric providers, I urge DHCS to modify the proposal for Proposition 56 Trauma Screenings to state under “Tool” · For children, pediatric providers may choose between the Bay Area Research Consortium (BARC) assessment tool, the Whole Child Assessment (WCA) tool, or an alternative tool to screen for trauma that meets minimum requirements and is approved by DHCS. Thank you for considering this comment.