The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter, changing guidance for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) regarding informed consent. The letter states that SNFs must now verify that a patient's health record contains documentation of informed consent for treatments listed in Title 22 Section 72528(c), including those admitted with preexisting orders. This applies to the administration of psychotherapeutic drugs, physical restraints, or the prolonged use of a device that may lead to the inability to regain use of a normal bodily function. To comply, SNFs can either obtain documentation of previous informed consent or obtain new informed consent and place it in the patient's medical record. This change is effective immediately and aims to optimize the health and well-being of people receiving care in licensed health facilities. Non-compliance may result in penalties or other consequences for the facility.

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