The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued All Facilities Letter (AFL) 20-69, which outlines the survey activities the department will conduct for both hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities. Based on the daily COVID-19 data reported by hospitals, if CDPH determines a hospital is at risk of surging, the hospital will receive a phone call about its surge plan, any urgent needs, and whether it needs assistance from CDPH.
If a hospital is considered high risk, CDPH may conduct a surge monitoring visit to evaluate the hospital’s surge preparedness and infection control practices. CDPH has prepared the Hospital Surge Monitoring Checklist for hospitals to self-assess their surge preparedness and compliance with infection control requirements.
Regarding survey activity for hospitals, CDPH will also:
- Prioritize complaints and facility-related incidents
- Conduct federal revisit surveys for hospitals that were cited an immediate jeopardy violation
- Conduct limited state licensing survey activities, including initial licensing, change of service, and change of location surveys
Finally, CDPH recommends hospitals use the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services infection control checklist to conduct a voluntary self-assessment of their infection control plans and protections.