AB 2629 Summary

• Redefines "bedridden" to exclude temporary illness or recovery from surgery lasting 14 days or less in residential facilities under the California Community Care Facilities Act.

• Allows residential facilities to retain bedridden clients beyond 14 days if the facility obtains written physician confirmation of temporary illness or surgery, notifies the department, and the department determines the client's health and safety is adequately protected.

• Prohibits residential facilities (except Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Care Needs) from admitting or retaining clients requiring 24-hour skilled nursing care.

• Requires all residential facilities to notify fire authorities within 48 hours of admitting or retaining a bedridden person, including an estimated duration of the bedridden status.

• Directs the State Department of Social Services and Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop flexible fire safety regulations for small facilities with bedridden residents, with procedures for local fire officials to request written opinions from the State Fire Marshal within 45 days.