The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter extending the implementation dates for prohibiting the use of certain epidural and enteral feeding connectors in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Assembly Bill (AB) 444 now states that hospitals and SNFs are prohibited from using enteral feeding connectors that would fit into a connector other than the type for which it was intended by July 1, 2016. Additionally, the implementation date for prohibiting the use of epidural connectors that would fit into a connector other than the type for which it was intended has been extended to January 1, 2017. These prohibitions apply unless an emergency or urgent situation exists and the prohibition would impair the ability to provide healthcare. Healthcare facilities are responsible for following all applicable laws and should refer to the full text of all applicable sections of the Health and Safety Code.

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