WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 582

Health and care facilities: licensing during emergencies or disasters.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sabrina Cervantes and 8 co-sponsors

SB 582 streamlines licensing for health and care facilities during disasters, ensuring they can quickly reopen and support vulnerable populations when emergencies strike.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 546, Statutes of 2025.
#healthandcarefacilities #licensingduringemergenciesordisasters
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 582

Summary of SB 582: Health and Care Facilities Licensing During Emergencies or Disasters

Overview

Bill Number: SB 582
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 546, Statutes of 2025.
Author: Senator Stern
Subject: Health and care facilities, licensing during emergencies or disasters

SB 582 aims to enhance the licensing and operational protocols for health and care facilities during emergencies or disasters, ensuring that these facilities can respond effectively and maintain their services.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 582 is to provide a framework for the licensing and operational status of health and care facilities that become nonoperational due to disasters, such as wildfires, floods, or other emergencies. This legislation seeks to streamline the process for these facilities to regain operational status and ensure that they can continue to serve vulnerable populations during and after such events.

Key Provisions

  1. Annual Review of Disaster Plans:

    • Skilled nursing facilities are required to review their external disaster and mass casualty program plans at least once a year, incorporating input from local planning offices and the Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC).

  2. Inactive License Status:

    • Facilities that become nonoperational due to disaster-related destruction or damage can request inactive license status. They must notify the State Department of Social Services within 90 days of the disaster declaration and indicate their intent to reopen.

  3. Fee Waivers:

    • The State Department of Social Services may waive annual or biennial licensing fees for facilities approved for inactive license status that are being rebuilt.

  4. Emergency Remote Services:

    • For the first 30 days following a disaster declaration, Medi-Cal managed care plans must presume that conditions are met for Emergency Remote Services in Community-Based Adult Services programs.

  5. Childcare Program Flexibility:

    • For the first 90 days after a disaster declaration, the State Department of Social Services will waive in-person or daily attendance requirements for childcare programs affected by the disaster.

  6. Coordination Among Departments:

    • If a facility is licensed by multiple state departments, those departments must coordinate their operational steps regarding the inactive license status.

  7. Future Inactivity Requests:

    • Starting January 1, 2028, licensees can request inactive license status for any other period of inactivity, with specific requirements for submission.

  8. No Reimbursement Requirement:

    • The bill specifies that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts for costs mandated by this act.

Impact

  • Facilities Affected: The bill impacts skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs), community care facilities, childcare centers, and alcohol or drug recovery facilities.
  • Emergency Preparedness: By mandating regular reviews of disaster plans and facilitating quicker reactivation of licenses, the bill aims to improve the resilience of health and care facilities in the face of disasters.
  • Support for Vulnerable Populations: The provisions are designed to ensure that essential services remain available to vulnerable populations during emergencies, thereby enhancing public health and safety.

Conclusion

SB 582 represents a significant step towards improving the operational resilience of health and care facilities during emergencies. By establishing clear protocols for licensing and operational status, the bill aims to ensure that these facilities can continue to provide critical services in times of crisis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.