OPIC Monthly Newsletter

Issue 5                                                                    July 10, 2023

Guidance Updates

• Bookmark this overview of all active COVID-19 AFLs, and all expired AFLs.
• ACIP approves/recommends RSV vaccine for older adults. CDC panel recommends RSV vaccine for seniors | CIDRAP (umn.edu). We expect to hear more from ACIP and CDC about upcoming vaccine availability and dosing as we get closer to the fall season.
• AFL 23-20 Hot Summer Weather Advisory is now available. This AFL reminds health care facilities to implement recommended precautionary measures to keep individuals safe and comfortable during extremely hot weather. Facilities must have contingency plans in place to deal with the loss of air conditioning, or in the case when no air conditioning is available, take measures to ensure patients and residents are free of adverse conditions that may cause heat-related health complications. Facilities must also report extreme heat conditions that compromise patient health and safety and/or require an evacuation, transfer, or discharge of patients.

The following AFLs are now available: 

• AFL 23-22 Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Health Care Facility License Fee Schedule - ​​This AFL informs licensees of FY 2023-24 license renewal fees as approved by the Governor and effective on July 1, 2023. 

  • If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact the Revenue Collection Unit at RCollection@cdph.ca.gov. 

• AFL 23-23 California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Data Exchange Framework (DxF) - This AFL notifies GACHs, APHs, and SNFs that maintain electronic records of their obligation to exchange or provide access to health information in real time pursuant to the CalHHS DxF data sharing agreement for treatment, payment, or health care operations on or before January 31, 2024, except for certain specified facilities that must meet this requirement by January 31, 2026. 

  • If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements of the DxF, please contact the Center for Data Insights and Innovation at cdii@chhs.ca.gov. 

• AFL 23-24 Revised Licensure and Certification Application (HS 200) and Applicant Individual Information (HS 215A) - This AFL announces that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has revised Licensure and Certification Application (HS 200) (PDF) and Applicant Individual Information (HS 215A) (PDF) forms. The revised forms will be effective July 1, 2023.​​ 

  • For questions concerning this AFL, please contact CAB by email at CAB@cdph.ca.gov or by phone at 916-552-8632. 

•   You may view other AFLs at the All Facilities Letter webpage.  

Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) News, Resources, and Trainings

• New tool: CDPH HAI created an Interfacility Transfer Communications Guide. Please review. 

• Enhanced Standard Precautions Readiness Checklist

• Infection Prevention Training for Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) Dr. Lael Duncan’s training 4/4/23: View the RECORDING.

Marin Updates

New Public Health Dashboard: Local Data for Local Action 

Marin County Public Health launched a new tool to engage and educate the community we serve. Six data dashboards reflecting local public health priorities were posted online, and are accessed via a single landing page. Explore information on Reportable Communicable Diseases, COVID-19, Life Expectancy by Community, Non fatal and Fatal Overdoses, Hepatitis C, and the COVID-19 Community Assessment. Stay tuned as we add more dashboards to address emerging public health priorities.  

Minor Heat Event Signals Time to Prepare  

As temperatures in the Bay Area rise this weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk forecasts Moderate/Orange level for Marin County. As a reminder, when NWS heat risk reaches Major/Red level local cooling centers may be activated for relief. Stay updated on availability and locations of cooling centers via Marin County's Emergency Portal. Explore cooling tips from Marin Health & Human Services, and remember hydration is critical for handling hot conditions.   

Facility Evacuation: Lessons Learned 

Training held May 4, 2023: RECORDING

Virtual Infection Prevention Train the Trainer Workshops, by CDPH
Trainings are repeated four times per week for each workshop topic to accommodate schedules. Choose one day/time per workshop topic to attend- trainings linked below:

Certified Nursing Assistant IPC Curriculum
Multiple offerings: July 17-21
Register HERE

EVS IPC Curriculum for EVS Managers
Multiple Offerings: August 21-15
Register HERE

RSV Vaccine Efficacy Data
GSK today released new results on the vaccine from an ongoing phase 3 trial, which found an overall efficacy of 82.6% against lower respiratory tract disease during the first season, 77.3% for mid-season, and 67.2% over two seasons. Against severe disease, efficacy was 94.1% during the first season, 84.6% at mid-season, and 78.8% over two seasons.

Climate Change and Infectious Diseases  

This week the CDC reported cases of malaria that were acquired in the United States. The presence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Florida signals the northern migration of tropical disease vectors due to climate change. No locally acquired malaria cases have been reported in California. A wet spring has increased local mosquito activity. The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District samples local mosquito populations for emerging diseases and offers guidance for personal protection.