The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) that updates requirements for emergency medication supply kits in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and intermediate care facilities (ICF). Effective January 1, 2010, the letter authorizes an increase in the number of oral and suppository dosage form drugs contained in the emergency supply container from 24 to 48. It also changes the limit on the number of doses of each drug available from four to up to 16, while limiting the number of psychotherapeutic drugs to four of the 48, unless program flexibility is granted by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The four oral form or suppository form psychotherapeutic drug limit does not apply to special treatment program service unit distinct parts. These changes aim to ensure that healthcare facilities have adequate emergency medication supplies on hand. Facilities should refer to the full text of the AFL to ensure compliance and contact their local district office with any questions.

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