Biweekly Briefing Articles

On Feb. 24, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released an All Facilities Letter (AFL) notifying general acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals that Assembly Bill 1316 — which amends the definition of a psychiatric emergency medical condition and related patient transfer laws — has been chaptered. The AFL clarifies that the amended definition and laws apply regardless of whether a patient is voluntarily or involuntarily detained for assessment, evaluation, and crisis intervention; or placed for evaluation under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. Contact the CDPH’s San Diego District Office with questions about this AFL.  

Each year, San Diego County’s Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards recognize extraordinary achievements of individuals and organizations in areas of public health services that protect and promote the health of San Diego County residents. The deadline to nominate candidates for the 2025 Public Health Champion Awards is March 14.