The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) outlining new medical director certification requirements for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) under Assembly Bill (AB) 749. The bill prohibits SNFs from contracting with a medical director who is not, or will not be within five years, certified by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine or an equivalent organization. Existing medical directors have until January 1, 2027, to become certified. SNFs must report the name and certification status of their medical director to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) by June 30, 2022, and submit the required information on initial licensing applications. SNFs must also notify CDPH within 10 calendar days of any changes in their medical director. These requirements do not apply to SNFs operated as a distinct part of an acute care hospital, but such facilities must designate a qualified physician as a medical director. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties or other consequences for non-compliance.

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