SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL DECLARES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BED CRISIS: On Dec. 5, the San Diego City Council declared a behavioral health crisis due to the lack of available behavioral health beds in the city. A recent survey of hospital members found that on any given day in the HASD&IC region, about 50 patients who are medically ready for discharge remain in general acute care hospitals awaiting placement in long-term care behavioral health beds. As hospital members work to ensure patients can access the care they need, the lack of behavioral health beds and community services is a major factor in discharge delays.
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: As part of the ongoing Comprehensive Evaluation of the Base Hospital System and Trauma Center Catchment Area Designation, the Public Consultant Group (PCG) shared its initial findings and recommendations at five in-person listening sessions; a recording is available online. Additional comments or feedback will be accepted through Dec. 15 via the County Engagement platform. With any additional inquiries, email PCG directly at publicsafetystudy@pcgus.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY RELEASES DRAFT APOT POLICY: San Diego County has released a proposal outlining ambulance patient offload time (APOT) requirements under Assembly Bill 40. Under the bill, local emergency medical services agencies must, by July 1, 2024, establish an APOT standard of no more than 30 minutes 90% of the time. Currently, hospitals in San Diego County already meet this standard 75-85% of the time, depending on the day and on pre-hospital and emergency department patient volumes. Comments on the proposal must be submitted online by Dec. 30.
CDPH RELEASES NEW AFL ON COVID-19 VACCINATIONS: A new All Facilities Letter from the California Department of Public Health recommends that general acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals offer COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible individuals prior to discharge. More details about options and resources are available in the letter.
CHA RELEASES FAQS ON IMPLEMENTING AB 1882 REQUIREMENTS: CHA has created a frequently asked questions document about the Assembly Bill 1882 signage and reporting requirements that hospitals must meet by Jan. 1, 2024. The FAQs are intended to share the latest guidance from the Department of Health Care Access and Information and best practices from the hospital field.
