Effective January 1, 2019, SB 1138 (Chapter 512, Statutes 2018) requires GACHs, APHs, SNFs, ICFs, SHs, and NFs to make plant-based meal options available to meet the needs of patients in accordance with their physiciansā orders. To comply with this requirement, the plant-based meal must not contain any animal products or by-products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs.
SB 1138 also requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to make plant based meals available to inmates in a cost neutral manner. Therefore, CTCs must also make plant-based meal options available for inmate-patients.
CDPHās 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 all applicable sections of HSC and the California Code of Regulations to ensure compliance.
If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact your local district office.
Sincerely,
Original signed by Scott Vivona
Scott Vivona
Assistant Deputy Director