California skilled-nursing staffing waiver process
California CDPH is operating skilled-nursing facility staffing waiver processes tied to direct-care service hour requirements.
California · Implementing · Implementation Jan 1, 2026
What it is
- What changed
- CDPH is administering waiver processes for skilled-nursing facilities seeking relief from 3.5 direct-care service hour and 2.4 CNA hour requirements under specified conditions.
- Why it matters
- Staffing waiver activity is a facility-accountability signal families may need to understand when evaluating quality, workforce shortages, and discharge placement options.
- Who it touches
- Family caregivers, Paid care workers, Care providers and plans, People receiving care, Businesses and agencies that must complyskilled-nursing facility residents, family caregivers, facility operators, direct-care workers, state surveyors
- What it does
- Requires something of providers, companies or agencies
Sources
- CDPH skilled nursing facility staffing requirements meetings
- CDPH 2.4 and 3.5 workforce shortage waiver applicants
Last reviewed Jun 18, 2026. This is information, not legal advice; check the source for the current text.