The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) addressing healthcare facility enrollment in public utility commission energy conservation programs for central air conditioning use. The letter cautions healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and general acute care hospitals, against participating in programs that limit their ability to control central air conditioning temperatures, as this could jeopardize patient/resident safety. The AFL cites various sections of the California Code of Regulations that require healthcare facilities to maintain comfortable temperatures and normal operating conditions. If a facility enrolls in an energy conservation program that negatively impacts patients, it could face enforcement actions, including the issuance of deficiencies and citations. The letter advises facilities to consider their liability to patients' health under conditions when no central air conditioning is available.

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