The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) temporarily waiving specified space conversion requirements for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) due to the ongoing COVID-19 state of emergency. The waiver is valid until December 31, 2021, and applies to Title 22 CCR sections 72607 and 72603. SNFs must continue to comply with unusual occurrence reporting requirements, report any substantial staffing or supply shortages, provide necessary care in accordance with residents' needs, and follow infection control guidelines. They must also not discriminate admits or readmits, transfer, or discharge residents based on their COVID-19 status. The waiver aims to address staff absenteeism and the rapid influx of residents, and SNFs do not need to submit individual program flexibility requests for the requirements specified.

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