The UCLA Department of Family Medicine has launched the Network for Multicultural Research on Health and Healthcare, a group that will study health care disparities affecting minorities with chronic diseases. The network will also mentor and develop a new generation of researchers with an expertise in health care disparities. Co-directors Michael Rodriguez, MD and Richard Vega, MD are members of the California Academy of Family Physicians, a Medical Leadership Council member.

These regulations, which took effect in March 2007, were developed by the Department of Managed Health Care after passage of Senate Bill 853 authored by former Sen. Martha Escutia. SB 853 requires California health plans to set up a system to provide members with services, materials and information in a language they speak and understand.