Skilled nursing facilities: backup power source.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of health facilities, defined to include skilled nursing facilities, by the State Department of Public Health. The Long-Term Care, Health, Safety, and Security Act of 1973 generally requires the department to license, inspect, and regulate long-term health care facilities, including skilled nursing facilities. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to willfully or repeatedly violate the act, as specified. Existing regulations require a skilled nursing facility to have emergency planning, including an emergency lighting and power system. This bill would require a skilled nursing facility to have an alternative source of power, as defined, to protect resident health and safety, as defined, for no fewer than 96 hours during any type of power outage. The bill would impose specific compliance requirements based on whether a skilled nursing facility uses a generator as its alternative source of power, or batteries or a combination of batteries in tandem with a renewable electrical generation facility. The bill would require a facility to comply with its requirements by January 1, 2024. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.