The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) reminding healthcare facilities to develop and implement Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases. The letter outlines new expectations for facilities, emphasizing the need to remain in conventional or contingent care as long as possible and prepare plans for crisis care as a last resort. Facilities are expected to have guidelines that fit their needs while following ethical principles, health equity goals, and civil rights laws. By January 6, 2021, facilities must notify their local CDPH district office and local public health department that they have adopted and publicly posted their crisis care continuum guidelines. The letter also provides resources for implementing the continuum of crisis care, including the California Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines and Crisis Care Guidelines Pre-Implementation Checklist. Non-compliance may result in consequences such as resource sharing requirements or elective surgery cancellations.

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