Existing law generally regulates the licensure of health facilities and clinics, as defined, and prescribes the duties of the State Department of Health Services in this regard. Under existing law, any person who violates provisions regulating health facilities, or who willfully or repeatedly violates any rule or regulation adopted thereunder is guilty of a misdemeanor. Since a violation of the provisions applicable to health facilities is a 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. With the exception of small and rural hospitals, as defined in Section 124840, this plan shall include technology implementation, such as, but not limited to, computerized physician order entry or other technology that, based upon independent, expert scientific advice and data, has been shown effective in eliminating or substantially reducing medication-related errors. Within 90 days after submitting a plan, the department shall either approve the plan, or return it to the facility with comments and suggestions for improvement. The facility shall revise and resubmit the plan within 90 days after receiving it from the department. The department shall provide final written approval within 90 days after resubmission, but in no event later than January 1, 2003.