Effective January 1, 2022, AB 1585 expands existing eligibility and minimum qualifications for a SNF's IP. The IP must have primary professional training as a licensed nurse, medical technologist, microbiologist, epidemiologist, public health professional, or other health care related field. The IP must be qualified by education, training, clinical or health care experience, or certification, and must have completed specialized training in infection prevention and control.

SNFs continue to be required to employ a full-time, dedicated IP, a role that may be filled by either one full-time IP or by two staff members sharing the IP responsibilities, provided the total time dedicated to the IP role equals at least the time of one full-time staff member. IP hours are prohibited from inclusion in the calculation of 3.5 direct care hours per patient day provided to SNF residents.

CDPH will be developing regulations to further define several terms included in the bill and to establish minimum training and education requirements necessary to fully implement the bill's provisions.

CDPH's failure to expressly notify facilities of statutory or regulatory requirements does not relieve facilities of their responsibility for following all laws and regulations. Facilities should refer to the full text of all applicable sections of Health and Safety Code and the California Code of Regulations to ensure compliance.

If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact your local district office.

Sincerely,

Original signed by Cassie Dunham

Cassie Dunham

Acting Deputy Director