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.
