CDPH has chaptered AB 1852, effective 1/1/23, expanding current authorization for SNFs and ICFs that use automated drug dispensing systems (ADDS) to include automated unit dose systems (AUDS). Hospice facilities (HOFA) are now also authorized to use either an ADDS or AUDS. These mechanical systems allow licensed personnel to have access to multiple drugs and is not patient-specific in its design.

Facilities intending to use an ADDS to store, dispense or distribute drugs must have approval from the California Board of Pharmacy and contact the CHCQ, Pharmaceutical Consultant Section at LNC-PHARM-Consult@cdph.ca.gov. If a facility does not comply with applicable statutes and regulations, CHCQ may revoke the facility's ADDS authorization.

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The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) informing hospice facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities of the expansion of automated drug dispensing systems (ADDS) to include automated unit dose systems (AUDS) under Assembly Bill (AB) 1852. Effective January 1, 2023, authorized licensed healthcare facilities may use AUDS to store and distribute patient drugs, and hospice facilities are now allowed to use either ADDS or AUDS. Facilities intending to use an ADDS must have approval from the California Board of Pharmacy and notify the Center for Health Care Quality (CHCQ) prior to use. CHCQ will review the facility's medication training, storage, security, and administration procedures related to ADDS usage to ensure adequate staff training and safeguards are in place. Non-compliant facilities may have their ADDS authorization revoked.

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