The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has issued guidance regarding several waivers in effect because of COVID-19. Inpatient facilities can be fully reimbursed for services provided in an unlicensed facility (during an emergency evacuation or because of other need to relocate residents) provided that the California Department of Public Health makes a reasonable assessment that the facility meets minimum standards.
The three day prior hospitalization for coverage of a skilled nursing facility stay is waived for people who need to be transferred because of a disaster or emergency.
The limit of 25 beds and 96 hour stays for Critical Access Hospitals is waived.
Acute care hospitals can house acute care inpatients in excluded distinct part units if the distinct part unit’s bends are appropriate for acute care inpatients.
Acute care hospitals can relocate inpatients from an excluded distinct part psychiatric unit to an acute care bed and unit.
Acute care hospitals can relocate inpatients from an excluded distinct part inpatient rehabilitation unit to an acute care bed and unit.
Ambulance transportation may include any destination that is able to provide treatment in a manner consistent with state and local Emergency Medical Systems protocols. (DHCS notice, April 22, 2020.)