2030 Seismic Requirements

About 2030 Seismic Requirements

Almost all California hospitals have met seismic safety standards and will remain standing after a major earthquake. However, many face challenges in meeting a requirement to remain fully operational by 2030 due to a wide variety of issues, including the challenges associated with funding complex construction projects of this size and scope. Without additional time hospitals will be forced to close, risking access to care throughout the state. California must support hospitals through realistic timelines and strategies to ensure patients can access the care they need.  

HCAI Notice Details Information on AB 869 Seismic Compliance Delay Provisions

What’s happening: Assembly Bill (AB) 869 (2024) authorizes the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) to grant eligible general acute care hospitals a delay of up to three years beyond the Jan. 1, 2030, deadline for the seismic compliance of hospital buildings, provided that specified criteria are met.  

What else to know: Policy Intent Notice (PIN) 80 outlines HCAI’s policy for implementing AB 869’s seismic compliance provisions. Hospitals requesting a delay must submit their seismic compliance plan by Jan. 1, 2026. 

HCAI to Host Webinar on Seismic Grant Program

What’s happening: On March 4, the Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI) Seismic Compliance Unit is hosting a webinar from 10 a.m. to noon (PT) on Assembly Bill (AB) 869 (2024). The webinar will cover seismic compliance, eligibility criteria for extensions beyond the 2030 deadline, and HCAI’s activities related to AB 869 implementation.    

What else to know: AB 869 allows for the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, as well as small, rural, critical access, or health care district hospitals, to apply for a delay to the Jan. 1, 2030, seismic compliance deadline by up to three years. Webinar registration is open. 

HCAI Webinar to Cover Seismic Grant Program for Small and Rural Hospitals

What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI) Office of Facility Loan Insurance is conducting a webinar on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon (PT) to discuss a seismic grant program for small, rural, and critical access hospitals.  

What else to know: The webinar will cover eligibility criteria, additions to the program due to Assembly Bill 869 (2024), and the application process. Registration is open.  

CHA Disaster Planning Conference Focuses on Lessons Learned

What’s happening: CHA held its annual Disaster Planning Conference in Pasadena on Sept. 10 and 11. Topics included best practices for communication and collaboration in an emergency, treatment of special pathogens, enhancing health care cybersecurity, and fundamentals of radiation protection.    

What else to know: More than 500 people attended the conference, including emergency preparedness directors and coordinators; members of hospital disaster planning teams; compliance, nurse, and case managers; and quality and safety executives.