​This All Facilities Letter (AFL) is being issued to notify all primary care clinics (PCCs) of recent changes to the Health and Safety Code (HSC) pertaining to PCC building standards as a result of the enactment of AB 980 (Chapter 663, Statutes of 2013).

AB 980 created HSC Section 18944.18 which requires the Building Standards Commission, in conjunction with the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), to repeal Section 1226.7 of the California Building Standards Code as soon as possible. OHSPD has been granted emergency regulatory authority for this purpose.

AB 980 also requires the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to repeal its regulations related to abortion services by July 1, 2014. Effective January 1, 2014, CDPH will not require PCCs to meet the requirements specifically related to abortion services contained in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations Sections 75040-75044. PCCs providing abortion services will continue to be responsible for meeting all other regulatory requirements in Title 22 applicable to clinics.

The information in this AFL is a brief summary of AB 980. Facilities are responsible for following all applicable laws. The California Department of Public Health’s failure to expressly notify facilities of statutory or regulatory requirements does not relieve facilities of their responsibility for following all laws and regulations. Facilities should refer to the full text of HSC Section 18944.18 and applicable sections Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations to ensure compliance.

If you have any questions regarding this AFL, please contact your local Licensing and Certification District Office.

Sincerely,

Original signed by Debby Rogers

Debby Rogers, RN, MS, FAEN
Deputy Director