OSHPD Announces New Water Regulations for California Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities
On Monday, the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development announced new emergency regulations limiting the use of potable water by hospitals and skilled nursing facilities for exterior landscaping or non-residential buildings. Brian Jensen, regional vice president for the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California, said, "We don't know how these regulations will be rolled out, enforced or implemented, but hospitals are doing what they can to reduce water use so long as it does not affect patient care." Meanwhile, California Association of Health Facilities spokesperson Deborah Pacyna said, "We don't have a problem with the emergency standards. We all have to do our part."
- "State Clamps Down on Water Use by Hospitals, Nursing Homes" (Robertson, Sacramento Business Journal, 6/2).