The Kimpton Sawyer
500 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 545-7100
Presentations will be available online only; download today.
Be sure to download the materials in advance; WiFi access on-site may be limited.
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Check-in and Exhibit Viewing
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Critical Access Hospital Breakfast
This breakfast provides an opportunity to connect and collaborate with rural leaders and gain valuable insights into federal initiatives aimed at strengthening and sustaining rural health care across the nation.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Critical Access Hospital Pre-Conference Workshop | Financial & Operational Improvement Strategies for Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics
Eric Volk, CPA, Partner, and Katie Jo Raebel, CPA, Partner at Wipfli
It’s estimated that your Medicare cost report requires, on average, 800 hours to complete and is a key component of over half your revenue. Join us as we analyze your Medicare cost report to understand Medicare/Medi-Cal reimbursement in California while looking for ways to leverage this data. We will cover CAH and RHC basics while also diving deeper into the areas that can help drive greater reimbursement, which are often overlooked. We’ll also show you how to use your cost report as an analytical tool regarding service line analysis and benchmarking.
12:00 p.m. | Hosted Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | General Session | Rural Health Care National Trends and Updates
Brock Slabach, MPH, FACHE, Chief Operations Officer, National Rural Health Association
National policies and federal decisions directly impact rural hospitals. Explore how evolving legislation, funding initiatives, and regulatory changes influence rural health care and what the National Rural Health Association is doing to support states in advocating for the communities they serve. During this session, Brock will share strategies for strengthening rural hospitals and equitable access to care and will engage in meaningful discussions around driving change together.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | General Session | Overview of California Legislation
Kathryn Austin Scott, Senior Vice President, State Relations and Advocacy, California Hospital Association
As California’s legislative landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about key bills and policy changes is crucial for rural communities, health care providers, and hospital administrators. This general session will provide a comprehensive update on current legislation, highlight bills that are progressing through the legislative process, and examine their potential impact on rural health care systems.
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Break and Exhibit Viewing
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. | General Session | California Legislators Panel Discussion
Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, California Assembly District 01
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, California Senate District 19
Assemblymember Joe Patterson, California Assembly District 5
Assemblymember Chris Rogers, California Assembly District 2
Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, California Assembly District 27
Hear from California legislators as they share insights on key health care policies and the evolving legislative landscape. This discussion will highlight upcoming priorities, challenges, and opportunities shaping health care in the state and rural communities. Engage directly with lawmakers and be part of the conversation on future legislative developments.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Reception and Exhibit Viewing
Presentations will be available online only; download today.
Be sure to download the materials in advance; WiFi access on-site may be limited.
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast and Exhibit Viewing
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | General Session | An Interactive Discussion with Carmela Coyle and Siri Nelson
Carmela Coyle, President & CEO, California Hospital Association
Siri Nelson, FACHE, MHA, CPA, CHA Board of Trustee Chair
Gain exclusive top-level insights and the latest updates directly from CHA’s President & CEO and the Chair of the CHA Board of Trustees. This is your opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, ask pressing questions, and share your thoughts on the future of health care.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | General Session | What OHCA Means for Rural Hospitals
Ben Johnson, Group Vice President, Financial Policy, California Hospital Association
Travis Lakey, OHCA Health Care Affordability Advisory Committee Member, Chief Financial Officer, Mayers Memorial Hospital District
This session will explore the role of the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) in shaping the future of health care delivery and affordability. Ben Johnson will provide a high-level overview of OHCA, including its responsibilities, then delve into OHCA’s approach to setting health care spending targets and how these benchmarks vary across sectors and the impact it will have on rural and critical access hospitals.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Break and Exhibit Viewing
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | General Session | Achieving Sustainability Through State Financing
Adam Dorsey, Group Vice President, Financial Policy, California Hospital Association
Ryan Witz, Executive Director, District Hospital Leadership Forum
This session will provide a high-level overview of the Hospital Insurance Fee Program and Proposition 35, exploring their implications for rural hospitals across California. Hear key insights into how these policies shape funding, reimbursement structures, and financial sustainability for health care providers in underserved areas. Experts will break down the complexities of these programs, discuss potential challenges and opportunities, and offer guidance on how rural hospitals can navigate the evolving health care landscape.
12:30 p.m. | Hosted Lunch
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | General Session | Artificial Intelligence in Rural Community Hospitals: How Can it Work for You?
Vinay K. Prasad, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California San Francisco
It’s time to dispel the fears and misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. AI remains an underutilized tool with the potential to significantly enhance hospital efficiencies, streamline workflows, and support health care professionals in their daily tasks. This engaging session will empower attendees with the knowledge and confidence to integrate AI into their routines, demonstrating how it can be a force for good rather than a cause for concern. Don’t fear AI—embrace it!
2:15 – 2:30 p.m. | Break and Exhibit Raffle
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | General Session | CEO Panel Discussion
Tim Stephens, CEO, Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Stephen DelRossi, MSA, CEO, Northern Inyo Healthcare District
Katie Gorndt, MSIHM, BDN, Vice President, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital
In this popular annual closing session, connect with your peers as they share their strategies for “setting the course” to address the evolving needs of rural communities. Gain valuable insights and approaches to tackling challenges in rural health care. Come prepared with your questions for this interactive and engaging discussion.
Carmela Coyle
President & CEO
California Hospital Association
Carmela Coyle began her tenure as president and CEO of the California Hospital Association, the statewide leader representing the interests of more than 400 hospitals and health systems in California, in October 2017. Previously, Ms. Coyle led the Maryland Hospital Association for nine years, where she played a leading role in shaping a statewide, value-driven health care delivery system.
Stephen DelRossi, MSA
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Inyo Healthcare District
Since August 2022, Stephen has been the CEO of Northern Inyo Healthcare District. He previously served as the Chief Financial Officer at Smokey Mountain and UHS as well as three Critical Access Hospitals. He also served as the Controller at a multi-campus 762-bed facility for Tenet. Stephen is an experienced health care executive known for his ability to manage high-performance operations in large and small facilities and has a verifiable track record of improving health care operations through innovative financial strategies, teamwork, and exemplary leadership.
Adam Dorsey
Group Vice President, Financial Policy
California Hospital Association
Katie Gorndt, MSIHM, BSN
Vice President and Director of Nursing
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital
Katie Gorndt serves as the Vice President of Operations and the Director of Nursing at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. Passionate about rural health care, Katie is a fellow of the National Rural Health Association. She actively contributes to her community as a board member of the Allen Hancock College Foundation and engages in the Southern California Sponsorship Committee for the American College of Healthcare Executives. Additionally, she lends her leadership to the Santa Barbara North County EconAlliance as a board member and holds the esteemed title of Honorary Medical Group Commander at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Ben Johnson
Group Vice President, Financial Policy
California Hospital Association
Ben Johnson is CHA’s Group Vice President, Financial Policy, covering finance and affordability issues, including the Office of Health Care Affordability. Ben has been working in health care policy for a decade, previously having advised the state legislature from his role at the Legislative Analyst’s Office, where he was lead on issues like drug pricing, the Medi-Cal budget, single-payer financing, and health care-related taxes.
Siri Nelson
President & Chief Executive Officer
Marshall Medical
Siri Nelson serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the California Hospital Association. She has served as President and CEO of Marshall since May 2019. Siri began her health care administration career in accounting and finance. Siri has previously served as Chief Executive Officer at South Meadows Medical Center, Chief Financial Officer and Interim CEO at Sutter Amador Hospital, and Chief Administrative Officer at Sutter Lakeside.
Vinay K. Prasad, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Medicine
University of California San Francisco
Vinay K. Prasad, MD, MPH, is a hematologist-oncologist and professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California San Francisco. He runs the VKPrasad lab at UCSF, which studies cancer drugs, health policy, clinical trials, and better decision-making. He is the author of over 500 academic articles, and the books, Ending Medical Reversal and Malignant. He hosts the oncology podcast Plenary Session, and the general medicine podcast The VPZD Show.
Katie Jo Raebel, CPA
Partner
Wipfli
Katie Jo Raebel has more than 20 years of experience in audit and accounting services, focused exclusively on health care industry clients. She specializes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues. Katie Jo is known nationwide for her knowledge of rural health clinic certification and reimbursement issues. In addition, she helps organizations determine the best certification options to experience the most beneficial gain from Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
Brock Slabach, MPH, FACHE
Chief Operating Officer
National Rural Health Association
Brock Slabach has served as the Chief Operating Officer for the National Rural Health Association for 17 years and has nearly 40 years of experience in health care. Mr. Slabach specializes in rural health system development that encompasses population health and the varied payment programs moving rural providers into value-based purchasing models. He serves on the Board of Commissioners of Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Organization (RHRCO). Mr. Slabach is the recipient of many health care related awards.
Tim Stephens, MPH, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Tim Stephens is the CEO of Sutter Lakeside Hospital, with a career that began as an X-ray technologist in the US Army. Tim’s journey has been in diverse roles, including entrepreneurship and leadership in various health care settings, from Critical Access Hospitals to Regional Medical Centers. Tim is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, always striving to create a growth mindset within the organization. His strong emphasis on community health care drives his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those he serves.
Eric Volk, CPA
Partner
Wipfli
Eric Volk is a partner in Wipfli’s Spokane office. He specializes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and audits. Eric provides cost reporting, audit, and consulting services to numerous providers in the region. This has enabled him to develop a solid understanding of the issues that concern the health care industry.
Ryan Witz
Senior Manager
SCA Consulting
Ryan Witz is a Senior Manager with SCA and the Executive Director for the District Hospital Leadership Forum (DHLF). In his capacity with DHLF, he is responsible for the development of federal and state financial/reimbursement policy on behalf of California’s District hospitals. This includes overseeing DHLF’s advocacy functions and working directly with state regulators in the design and implementation of health care policies that impact District hospitals, as well as the other health care stakeholders that participate with the districts in this process.
We would like to thank our corporate sponsors and exhibitors for their support of the 2025 Rural Health Care Symposium.
Access TeleCare is the standard bearer of clinical excellence in acute specialty telemedicine, providing high-quality care for patients in 1 out of 5 U.S. hospitals. Over the last 20 years, the company has delivered care in over 7 million patient encounters across multiple specialty service lines, including behavioral health, neurology, hospitalist medicine, pulmonary and critical care, maternal-fetal medicine, infectious disease, cardiology, and nephrology.
Angel Flight West is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air transportation within 12 Western US states for those medical and other compelling needs.
The California Telehealth Resource Center (CTRC) provides no-cost technical assistance and education to help healthcare providers leverage digital health technologies for efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Our expert guidance supports implementation, reimbursement, policy, workflows, and adoption, ensuring long-term success. By empowering providers with the tools and knowledge they need, we improve patient access and drive meaningful, lasting change in healthcare delivery across California.
CANA is the definitive source of leadership, advocacy and education for the CRNAs of California. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), or nurse anesthesiologists, are extensively educated Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) specializing in anesthesia care. CRNAs are qualified to practice independently and administer all types of anesthesia in any healthcare setting. CRNA services include pre-anesthesia evaluation, administering the anesthetic, monitoring and interpreting the patient’s vital signs and managing the patient throughout surgery. Details at www.californiacrnas.com.
DZA is a specialized accounting and advisory firm. Our clients include critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, community health clinics, and other rural healthcare organizations. Our services include audit, review, and compilation; Medicare and Medicaid cost report preparation and reimbursement consulting; client advisory and accounting services; feasibility studies, and tax. We additionally offer guidance, including strategic planning for stability and growth. Learn more at dza.cpa.
Five Star Bank is an award-winning, publicly traded (Nasdaq: FSBC) community business bank. High-tech and high-touch, Five Star provides clients with boutique business banking services inspired by partnership and defined by shared vision and goals. At Five Star, customers have direct access to their banker at all times. The bank is a customer advocate, community champion and driver of economic development.
Forvis Mazars helps healthcare organizations unlock their full potential and supports their pursuit of achieving health for their enterprises and those they serve. We provide holistic and tailored assurance, tax, and consulting services designed to help you develop and hone the core capabilities necessary to navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape and drive value, quality, and results.
HealthSure Rural Hospital Insurance of America Program (RHIA) is dedicated to helping rural hospitals to thrive in a complex risk and insurance landscape. Focused solely on healthcare providers, we deliver unmatched service and value. Our mission is to be the leading partner for rural hospitals, helping them navigate challenges and succeed in their communities. Our motto, “Never Go It Alone” reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration among rural healthcare leaders who share our vision and purpose.
HUB International
We advise businesses and individuals on how to reach their goals. When you partner with us, you’re at the center of a vast network of risk, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management specialists that bring clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy.
So you’re ready for tomorrow.
IMA is a commercial insurance broker providing business insurance and employee benefits for many industries including healthcare. Its healthcare practice group manages the insurance for rural hospitals, community health centers, and physician groups. IMA is privately owned and has 38 offices in 20 states, including 3 offices in California. IMA strives to also make a difference through its IMA Foundation which focuses on advancing youth in education, mental health, arts & culture, food insecurity, and homelessness.
INSAT Healthcare Access to Nephrology/dialysis services should no longer be limited by location. Dialysis patients and CKD patients can seek treatment in their home hospital/community. We are committed to delivering, “accessible care anywhere and anytime” while providing the best and most advanced services to our patients including access to renal transplants.
MoodHealth
Mental Health referrals, made easy. Our team of therapists and psychiatrists accept all health plans, including Medi-Cal, and have with availability in two weeks or less, guaranteed. Health systems, hospitals, and group practices work with us to improve HEDIS measures, reduce cost with at risk patients, and ensure their patient populations get the care they need.
Moving Mountains HR Consulting
At Moving Mountains HR we take the guesswork out of HR compliance and strategy. Partner with us to improve employee engagement and reduce costly turnover.
OnHand® is a group purchasing and supply chain solutions company. We combine the buying power of Premier, Inc. and Texas Health Resources with the sourcing expertise of the OnHand® category management team to guide our national members through the increasingly complex domestic and international supply chain.
Oracle Health
Connected technologies and unified data empower individuals and enable the health ecosystem to accelerate innovation and influence health outcomes. Oracle Health is building an open healthcare platform with intelligent tools for data-driven, human-centric healthcare experiences to connect consumers, healthcare providers, payers, and public health and life sciences organizations. CommunityWorks bundles the essential solutions, services, and support that community, critical access, and specialty hospitals need to succeed.
Pacific Companies offers Permanent Placement and Locum Tenens with a single point of contact. Headquarted in California for over 20 years, Pacific Companies has worked successfully in major metros, rural locations and everywhere in between. With the lowest interview to placement ratio in the industry at 2:1, and the best reputation for client satisfaction, we look forward to partpartnering on your toughest searches.
Prevail provides highly specialized insurance brokerage services focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. Our services are designed to simplify your life by managing all your insurance needs; including Professional Liability, Workers Comp and Cyber… to name a few. As an independent broker, Prevail works with the best solutions in the insurance marketplace, including some that are exclusive, and implements highly effective strategies that will help you improve.
Psychiatric Medical Care is the largest behavioral healthcare management company in the nation. Our intensive outpatient program Senior Life Solutions is a CMS-approved outpatient program specifically designed to help older adults (typically 65 and older) in rural communities who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. We partner with critical access hospitals to develop a sustainable program that improves the lives of patients while also contributing a stable revenue source.
Sagemont Advisors provides accounting and legal services to help determine eligibility and file for the Employee Retention Credit. We are the only ERC advisory firm to have CPAs from the largest tax firms in the world under the same roof as attorneys from the largest law firms in the world.
Sunstone Cities and its partners provide capital to rural hospitals and healthcare districts for infrastructure development, expansion, and modernization. With expertise in structuring flexible and efficient funding, we fill the gap where traditional lenders fall short, offering fast, reliable, and competitive financing. Our solutions empower hospitals to enhance patient care, meet regulatory requirements, and drive local economic growth through job creation and sustainable development.
Tangelo is a food-as-medicine provider currently working across California to support the CalAIM Community Supports Program. We provide culturally-tailored meals and engage with providers and community partners to ensure that our offerings meet the broad health equity goals of the communities we serve. Tangelo uses Diet ID, a validated dietary assessment tool, to measure patients’ diet quality and deliver personalized, dietitian-approved, and culturally-tailored meals.
Wipfli’s team of healthcare consultants helps organizations to see an increasingly complex landscape with clarity and confidence. From improved financial operations and regulatory compliance to digital transformation and talent management, our healthcare specialists provide the unique solutions to more than 2,500 hospitals, health systems and clinics. We focus on providing solutions such as graduate medical education, market planning and feasibility studies, revenue cycle, reimbursement, strategic planning and audit and tax services. We also work closely with healthcare leaders and professionals to support their goal of improving quality, patient safety and achieving the Quadruple Aim. Learn more at wipfli.com/healthcare.
For additional assistance and other inquiries, email CHA’s Education Department at education@calhospital.org.