CA SB135

Creates a new health facility licensing category for "hospice facilities" with a maximum capacity of 24 beds, operated by licensed hospice providers certified under federal Medicare regulations (42 C.F.R. Part 418).

Establishes minimum staffing requirements including at least one registered nurse on duty 24 hours per day with a maximum of six patients per direct caregiver, plus requirements for skilled nursing, palliative care, social services, bereavement services, and volunteer services.

Exempts freestanding hospice facility buildings from seismic safety requirements under the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983, while requiring compliance with federal Medicare fire and safety standards.

Requires the State Department of Public Health to adopt regulations governing hospice facility licensure and establish licensing fees (initially equivalent to congregate living health facility fees, then adjusted annually).

Applies federal patient rights regulations (42 C.F.R. Section 483.10, 483.12, 483.13, 483.15) to hospice facilities effective January 1, 2013, and requires notification of significant changes in patient health status within 24 hours.