The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter, effective January 1, 2009, requiring specific health facilities to start a backup diesel generator at least 12 times per year, in accordance with the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards. The affected facilities include Acute Psychiatric Hospitals, General Acute Care Hospitals, Intermediate Care Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities - Developmentally Disabled, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Special Hospitals. The testing must occur 12 times a year with intervals of no less than 20 days and no more than 40 days, lasting for at least 30 continuous minutes. The bill eliminates the requirement to start the backup generator when it is not tested during the week and extends the sunset date to January 1, 2011. Health facilities must submit all data collected under this section to the Department of Public Health when requested. Non-compliance may result in penalties and jeopardize the facility's accreditation.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.