Gambling disorder prevention.

Existing law establishes the Office of Problem Gambling in the State Department of Public Health and requires the office to develop a gambling disorder prevention program that includes, among other components, a toll-free telephone service for immediate crisis management, public awareness campaigns, and training of gambling industry personnel in identifying customers who are at risk for gambling disorders. Existing law also requires the office to develop a treatment program for those purposes, which may include, among other things, state-funded treatment services in the form of telephone counseling. Existing law requires the office to make information available regarding this program as requested by the Governor and the Legislature. This bill would delete the authorization for telephone counseling treatment services and instead authorize telehealth counseling. The bill would also require the office to make the information available if it is requested by a county health officer.