Provider Technical Assistance Program

The CDPH Provider Technical Assistance Program assists long-term care facilities and general acute care hospitals statewide to improve the quality of care and quality of life for residents and patients, as directed by California Health and Safety Code 1417.3. The Provider Technical Assistant Program identifies facilities for technical assistance via data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), internal CDPH oversight information from CDPH District Offices, referrals from CDPH staff, and self-referrals from facilities. Consultants, with extensive survey and quality oversight experience or staff with experience in facility administration, collaborate with facility leadership and staff as partners in the provision of technical assistance. Consultants provide a non-enforcement role, and report to the appropriate District Office only when findings present an immediate threat to the safety and welfare of residents.​

Provider Technical Assistance Meetings and Resources

Consultants will collaborate with facilities via virtual meetings and on-site visits. The frequency of meetings depends on the individual needs of the facility. Operational areas where Consultants have provided guidance, tools, and/or feedback have included:

• Staffing Stability and Competency
• Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Plans
  
• Facility Assessment review and targeted development for areas such as behavioral health of residents.
• Nurse competency training resources
• Consistent assignment tools
  

Facilities may request Provider Technical Assistance by emailing ProviderTechnicalAssistance@cdph.ca.gov and submitting the Provider Technical Assistance Request Form.​​

​Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does the CDPH CHCQ Provider Technical Assistance Program offer to California’s long-term care facilities, such as Skilled Nursing Facilities, and General Acute Care Hospitals (“Facilities”)?

The Provider Technical Assistance Program consults with facilities needing assistance with planning for and implementing quality processes for compliance with regulatory requirements, at no cost. Facilities that have a persistent record of non-compliance leading to poor quality of care, such as Special Focus Facilities, are the Provider Technical Assistance Section’s primary focus.

Overall, The Provider Technical Assistance Program’s Mission is to assist facilities by providing training, technical assistance, and strategies for effective systems of quality management, staff competence, and compliance with state and federal regulations. The Provider Technical Assistance Program’s Vision aims to enhance quality of healthcare in the State of California, and promote equitable services, operational compliance, and a safe and healthy environment for all facility residents and patients through reliable technical assistance consulting service.

2) What authority enables the state to appropriate funding for the Provider Technical Assistance Program?

California’s Health & Safety Code Section 1417.3 provides for the State of California to provide technical assistance to facilities regarding licensing and certification requirements, compliance with federal and state standards, and related operational issues.

3) How is the Provider Technical Assistance Program’s work different than the regulatory work conducted by CDPH’s Field Operations nurses (e.g., complaint investigation and survey processes)?

The Provider Technical Assistance Program consults with facilities to restore quality of services and minimize instances of non-compliance in the future. The consultation service will be facilitated through peer interactions with clinical and administrative consultant staff. The Consultants are not regulatory and do not issue deficiencies. Consultants comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Code 1417.3(d), that is, reporting “[V]iolations [that] constitute an immediate and serious threat to the health and welfare of, or have resulted in actual harm to, patients, residents, or clients of the facility.” Consultants will communicate reportable findings to the facility administration and encourage the self-reporting process. Other than this type of finding, the Consultants do not share consultation findings and recommendations with the District Offices.

4) Do the CDPH CHCQ Consultants with the Provider Technical Assistance Program report to the District Office?

No. The Provider Technical Assistance Section’s Consultants do not report to District Offices unless there is an immediate threat of harm. The Consultants work for the CDPH's Public Policy & Prevention Division's Standards Interpretation Branch. District Offices operate under the CDPH’s Field Operations Division. The work of the Consultants will not conflict with directives from the Field Operations District Office or your local public health department.

5) How will the Provider Technical Assistance Program approach a consultation with facility?

The Provider Technical Assistance Program uses evidence-based guidance and recommendations to assist facilities in development of their system for continuous quality improvement. The Provider Technical Assistance Program expects consulting facilities to engage all staff in their facility’s quality improvement program and, in good faith, follow recommendations to the best of their ability.

The duration of consultation will depend on the goals made by each facility in collaboration with the CDPH Provider Technical Assistance Program. Participation does not require a commitment of funds but does require dedication of sufficient time and resources.

6) How can a facility receive assistance from the Provider Technical Assistance Program?

Facilities must initially contact the Provider Technical Assistance Program via e-mail at ProviderTechnicalAssistance@cdph.ca.gov. Once received, a representative from the Program will provide access to initial intake materials. The facility should transmit all materials to the Provider Technical Assistance Program once completed, and Consultants will review all information and contact the facility to discuss next steps.

A facility’s success using the Provider Technical Assistance Program’s consultation services depends on the level of transparency and engagement the facility exhibits through the consultation process. To best assist you, your facility should provide CDPH with information sufficient in quantity and detail. ​​​