The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an All Facilities Letter requesting skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and intermediate care facilities (ICFs) to participate in a survey on the use of interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) for unrepresented residents. The survey aims to determine the need for independent patient representatives in IDTs when informed consent is necessary for medical intervention on behalf of residents with diminished cognitive capacity who lack a legally recognized healthcare decision-maker. Health and Safety Code 1418.8 authorizes an IDT at an SNF or ICF to make treatment decisions for unrepresented residents. The IDT must include the resident's attending physician, a registered professional nurse, other appropriate staff, and a patient representative when practicable. The patient representative must be independent of the facility and represent residents unable to provide informed consent. Facilities are asked to complete the survey as accurately as possible and submit it before January 28, 2021.

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