(a) “Authorized sobering center” means a noncorrectional facility that is staffed at all times with at least one registered nurse, that provides a safe, supportive environment for intoxicated individuals to become sober, that is identified as an alternate destination in a plan developed pursuant to Section 1843, and that meets any of the following requirements:

(1) The facility is a federally qualified health center, including a clinic described in subdivision (b) of Section 1206.

Terms Used In California Health and Safety Code 1813

(2) The facility is certified by the State Department of Health Care Services, Substance Use Disorder Compliance Division to provide outpatient, nonresidential detoxification services.

(3) The facility has been accredited as a sobering center under the standards developed by the National Sobering Collaborative. Facilities granted approval for operation by OSHPD before November 28, 2017, under the Health Workforce Pilot Project No. 173, may continue operation until one year after the National Sobering Collaborative accreditation becomes available.

(b) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) do not impose any new or additional licensure or oversight responsibilities on the State Department of Health Care Services or the State Department of Public Health with regard to authorized sobering centers.

(c) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) do not make an authorized sobering center eligible for reimbursement under the Medicaid program.

(Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 138, Sec. 4. (AB 1544) Effective January 1, 2021. Repealed as of January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 1857.)