​This All Facilities Letter (AFL) is being sent as a reminder that effective July 2007, County Health Departments are required to inspect all health facility kitchens, as defined in Health and Safety Code Division 104, Part 7, Chapter 2, Section 113789 (b) and are required to issue food facility permits to long term care facilities, hospitals, and adult day health care centers licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

The county inspections are a separate requirement under statute (California Health and Safety Code, Division 104, Part 7, Chapter 1, Section 113715) and include areas that are not surveyed by the Licensing and Certification Program (L&C). The County Health Department has the authority to inspect and will issue a permit for both the patient kitchen and the kitchen in the cafeteria, which is used by members of the public and health facility staff. L&C federal and state licensing surveys focus on dietary requirements in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and the Code of Federal Regulations.

There has been no change in the responsibilities of either the county or state inspectors. Please remind your facility staff, that they are expected to accommodate the county and state inspections of all kitchen facilities in licensed health facilities.

If you have any questions, please contact your local L&C district office.

Sincerely,

Original signed by Pamela Dickfoss

Pamela Dickfoss
Acting Deputy Director