The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an order requiring healthcare workers to be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021. The order defines workers as “all paid and unpaid individuals who work in indoor settings where (1) care is provided to patients, or (2) patients have access for any purpose.” (e.g., doctors, nurses, medical assistants, students, volunteers, contracted staff, clerical staff, etc.).

Workers meeting certain requirements may seek either a religious or qualified medical exemption. However, if an employer finds that a worker does not qualify for an exemption, the unvaccinated worker must submit to weekly COVID-19 testing (twice weekly for workers in acute healthcare or long-term care settings), and wear a surgical mask or respirator at all times when in the facilities. The employer is also required to keep records of worker vaccine or exemption status, as well test results for unvaccinated workers. Upon request from the CDPH, employers must also provide records within one business day.

The order became effective on August 5, 2021 and does not displace the July 26 order.