CDPH SUSPENDS ENFORCEMENT OF HOSPITAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Today, the California Department of Public Health issued All Facilities Letter 20-26, temporarily suspending, through June 30, 2020, hospital licensing requirements and regulatory enforcement of all hospital licensing requirements, with limited exceptions, as outlined in the letter.  CDPH explains that hospitals need not submit individual program flexibility requests for waiver of regulatory licensing requirements during this period.  Further, while hospitals seeking to apply for licensure or change beds or services must submit an online application to CDPH, they need not receive CDPH approval before providing care. CDPH also encourages facilities to implement contingency plans to address staff absenteeism and the rapid influx of patients.