The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued a new Provider Information Notice (PIN) outlining guidance for nursing homes and other healthcare facilities to evacuate and transfer residents during emergency situations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilities must review and modify their emergency plans to include infection control measures for COVID-19. They should also establish relationships with multiple facilities for potential emergency transfers, develop transfer agreements, and ensure staff are knowledgeable about emergency procedures. When transferring residents, facilities must screen them for COVID-19 symptoms, organize them by their COVID-19 status, and ensure they wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Facilities receiving emergency transfers should designate an area for evacuated residents, have adequate PPE on site, and ensure all residents' medications and medical records are transferred. Non-compliance may result in coordination with local or state emergency authorities for temporary relocation.

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