The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) stating that healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, cannot charge patients for any federally supplied medical assets or pharmaceuticals received from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). However, facilities may charge patients a fee for administering medical countermeasures. Emergency personal protective equipment, medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals from the SNS are free of charge to those who need them, such as patients and healthcare providers. Healthcare facilities must ensure that federally issued supplies and pharmaceuticals are used according to federal guidance. Facilities can charge a patient for administration, but not for the actual medication if it came from the federal government. Healthcare facilities are advised to keep all federally supplied assets in a separate storage area and clearly note the source to ensure they are not misallocated.

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