As of September 9, 2008, California is still without a budget for fiscal year 2008-2009. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is aware that many of the state's licensed health care facilities rely on State Medi-Cal funds to operate. With no authority to provide those funds to facilities in the absence of a State budget, facilities are undoubtedly facing hardships. CDPH is very concerned about the budget impasse and the impact it is having on providers, patients, and residents. Communication at this time is critical and we want to work together to ensure patient safety.

To that end, please notify CDPH as soon as possible of any financial difficulties, current or potential, you are facing as a result of the current budget impasse that may result in the closure of your facility, or the transfer or discharge of residents and clients. As you know, regulations require facilities to report to the Department any unusual occurrence which threatens the welfare, safety or health of patients, personnel or visitors.(1) Receiving these updates will allow us to document the nature and extent of the problems so we can support your operations/facility.

If you are licensed as a long term care faci lity, there are statutory requirements for informing residents and clients of your pending inability to care for them 30 days in advance of the closure.(2) Further, facilities must provide the relocation plan for the affected residents and clients to the local long term care ombudsman and to CDPH for approval at least 15 days prior to the 30 day advance notice.(3)

For your convenience, below is a listing of the phone numbers for the district offices throughout the state:

                     
Sincerely,

Original signed by Kathleen Billingsley, R.N.

Kathleen Billingsley, R.N.