Hospitals and nursing homes must try to reach next of kin when someone dies
General acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities must try within 72 hours to tell known next of kin of a death, then tell the county public administrator within two business days if none is found. Missed notices cost $200 a day, up to $50,000.
Who it affects
General acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and families of patients who die
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027. California laws take effect on January 1 of the year after they are signed, unless the law says otherwise.
- : Signed into law
- : This law takes effect
Official text
California AB 2598: Health care facilities: notification of next of kin.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.