Act Now! NEW California requirements for Backup Power Sources!

In an effort to aid sheltering in place and reduce unnecessary loss of life, California has enacted new regulations (see Pin 74) increasing load requirement and coverage for alternative power sources in the instance of power loss.

California Health and Safety Code 1418.22 requires Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to provide backup power to systems which support resident health and safety. The agencies which will be enforcing this new requirement have said the backup power must now support the following incremental loads:

  • Heating and cooling systems to maintain safe temperatures
  • Life-saving equipment
  • Oxygen-generating devices

Additionally, SNFs are now required to have sufficient fuel onsite to maintain power for no less than 96 hours of continuous operation. Previous requirements to maintain emergency loads was 6 hours.

According to the Advisory Guide provided by the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), the majority of California skilled nursing facilities are unlikely to achieve compliance without a construction process. As noted, many facilities have alternate power sources, but do not generally back-up cooling equipment. Additionally only subacute SNFs historically backed up life-saving equipment and oxygen-generating devices. Finally, while system design may specify onsite storage sufficient for more than 6 hours operation, it is likely very few facilities have intentionally provided more than the code minimum.

Therefore HCAI has developed a 2-step process:
  1. SNF Backup Power Assessment
    Facilities should identify HVAC, life-saving equipment and oxygen-generating devices, as well as the method to ensure 96 hours of continuous operation, and complete the online SNF Backup Power Assessment. The assessment helps HCAI to determine whether the facility is already compliant with the new requirements.Facilities that believe they are compliant must include the following attachments:

    1. Floor plan showing location of all systems and area of coverage
    2. Documentation substantiating compliance for each system listed required by HSC §1418.22. This documentation must also address how existing systems provide coverage for the 96 hour minimum.
    3. Local approvals as required

    Facilities that suspect they are not compliant may include a Proposed Remediation plan as an attachment to their Assessment.

  1. HCAI Determination
    Process for Compliant Determination: If HCAI determines the facility is compliant, they will engage California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to concur with the determination and the assessment will be closed with compliance.

    Process for Non-compliant Determination: If HCAI determines the facility is not compliant, the assessment will be closed without compliance. A standard construction project to modify the existing electrical distribution system and bring the facility into compliance will be needed. After the construction project is closed a new assessment will be required. This process continues until HCAI closes the assessment with compliance.

Don’t delay. This bill went into effect on January 1, 2023 and requires all California SNFs to be in compliance by January 1, 2024.

Not sure where to begin? Let our team at TELS® Building Services help you through the process. Reach out for technical expertise on alternative power source options, project management support from qualification to modification or installation or regulatory guidance on the SNF Backup Power Assessment. Act now as equipment lead time and municipal approvals may be delayed and California is requiring construction projects complete by January 1, 2024 in order to achieve compliance.

Call 888-433-3224 or fill out the request form below to begin.

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How do I work with Direct Supply on this?

Our process makes it easy for you:

Coordinate required documents

Prepare a facility plan or proposed remediation

Submit a SNF backup power assessment

If required, begin engineering

Receive all necessary approvals and permits

Procure equipment & complete construction

Successful Projects Start with TELS

Every day, communities just like yours turn to TELS® Building Services for large projects. With more than 7,500 projects completed annually across the country, there’s nothing our team can’t handle. Whenever you contract with TELS, you get access to industry-leading brands at competitive pricing on a wide range of equipment, including HVAC, plumbing and kitchen. Engineering to installation, let us handle the details. All of them.

  • Proposed Remediation
  • Qualification
  • Engineering
  • Procurement
  • Project Construction
  • And Much More
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Start Today! California is requiring assessments and construction completed no later than January 1st, 2024.

The materials, comments and other information offered here are intended to provide general information and may not apply to all facilities. You are responsible for determining regulatory compliance for your particular facility. More information is available here: Pin 74 and Advisory Guide.

All products and services are subject to Direct Supply’s standard terms and conditions found at DirectSupply.com/Terms. This material is intended only for business purchasers; resale of these products to consumers is expressly prohibited. Other limits may apply and are subject to change. © 2023 Direct Supply, Inc. All rights reserved.

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