AB 1883 would prohibit employers from using workplace surveillance tools — including any that incorporate facial, gait, or emotion recognition — and place restrictions on the use of such data. The bill would also allow for a private right of action and penalties in the amount of $500 per violation.
AB 1669 would require all public and private colleges and universities in the state to adopt a policy allowing students to take voluntary medical leaves of absence for up to one year for reasons related to health and mental health, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
What’s happening: Last week, CHA submitted comments to the Emergency Medical Services Authority on the proposed Chapter 1.2 Ambulance Patient Offload Time Emergency Medical Services Authority regulations, which implement provisions of Assembly Bill 40 (2023).
What’s happening: Earlier this week, CHA issued a dual alert asking members to sign on to coalition letters for its two sponsor bills: Assembly Bill (AB) 2353 (Pacheco, D-Downey), which would require an independent cost evaluation of mandates on hospitals, and AB 1923 (Soria, D-Merced), which would revive the Distressed Hospital Loan Program. For AB 2353, members should also submit a support letter highlighting previously imposed mandates that have caused the hospital to...
What’s happening: The Advisory Group for the Future of Medi-Cal Commission held its second meeting on March 3. The group met to review and provide feedback on draft priorities that will help shape the commission’s recommendations for the long-term direction of California’s Medicaid program.
What’s happening: Approximately 100 of California’s roughly 374 Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations are currently "Proposed for Withdrawal" on July 1. This is largely due to a federal policy shift that requires all recertifications to be conducted simultaneously, as well as resource shortages within the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).
What’s happening: In recent comments to California’s Health and Human Services Agency, CHA urges the state to mitigate the incredible impact of the impending staff ratio regulations for California’s psychiatric hospitals, the patients they serve, and already overcrowded emergency departments.
What’s happening: The California Department of Finance has hired Boston Consulting Group — under a contract worth up to $20 million — to identify cost savings and operational improvements across several state programs, including oversight of Medi-Cal managed care plans, Medi-Cal fraud detection, and hospital payment policies.
What’s happening: On Wednesday, the Assembly and Senate Health Committees convened a joint hearing intended to focus on the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on California’s health care system, rising costs, coverage losses, and potential state-level responses.
What’s happening: This week, the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) held its inaugural patient and consumer forum, providing an opportunity for staff to directly engage with patients, consumers, and advocates.