The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) notifying skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) of a temporary waiver of specified regulatory requirements due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The letter also provides advance notice that the temporary waiver will expire on July 17, 2021, and the AFL will be rescinded. SNFs should start planning for transitioning into regular operations, and those with a continued need for program flexibility can submit emergency program flexibility requests. The letter outlines several temporary waivers, such as initial licensure, change of service, and increase bed capacity, as well as flexibility in providing activities programs and space conversion. SNFs must continue to comply with unusual occurrence reporting requirements, report substantial staffing or supply shortages, and follow infection control guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the CDC related to COVID-19.

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