What’s happening: Cal HQ — a statewide, cross-industry collaborative working to improve hospital quality through aligned action — will host a webinar, “Getting to Goal: Understanding How to Use Cal HQ Data to Guide Improvement Efforts,” on Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon (PT).
(more…)Cal HQ to Host Webinar on Using Data to Guide Quality Improvement
DHCS Releases Private Hospital-Directed Payment Encounter Files
What’s happening: On July 31, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) uploaded two new hospital data sets that hospitals must download before the files are deleted on Sept. 14.
(more…)Applications Open for CalRHT Workforce Development Grant
What’s happening: The California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention (WDRR) grant funding opportunity is now open for applications through Aug. 31.
(more…)CHA Urges OHCA to Revise Proposed Penalty Structure
What’s happening: Last week, CHA submitted a letter urging the Office of Health Care Affordability to modify its penalty structure proposal, calling attention to the exorbitant potential penalties that would undermine OHCA’s charge to maintain access and quality in its pursuit of affordability.
(more…)Hospitals’ High-Stakes Game — and What It Means for Patient Care
During last week’s CHA Board meeting, members were joined by Ken Kaufman, founder of the nationally renowned health care financial consulting firm Kaufman Hall, for a candid and enlightening conversation about the future of hospital care.
(more…)CHA Hosts Legislator Briefing on OHCA Advocacy
What’s happening: This week, CHA hosted more than 50 lawmakers and legislative staff for a briefing focused on the Office of Health Care Affordability’s (OHCA’s) work to date, hospitals’ advocacy efforts, and the impact OHCA’s policies will have on health care access statewide.
(more…)Hospital Fee Program Invoices Due Aug. 26
What’s happening: Two fee payments are due from hospitals to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on Aug. 26. It is critical that all hospitals pay their invoices in full and on time.
(more…)Register for CalRHT Workforce Development Grant Funding Webinar
What’s happening: The California Rural Health Transformation (CalRHT) team is hosting a webinar at 1 p.m. (PT) on Aug. 4 on the grant funding opportunity for the Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention (WDRR) Program. The application period for this grant is July 31-Aug. 31.
(more…)Chapter 6 and AB 40 Regulations Now Final
What’s happening: The Office of Administrative Law has approved two regulations related to emergency departments:
- Implementation of Assembly Bill 40 (ambulance patient offload times) – in effect as of July 23, 2026
- Chapter 6 Specialty Designation and Regulations (trauma, STEMI/stroke, emergency medical services care for children) – effective Oct. 1
Looking Under the Hood on Why Health Care Spending Keeps Rising
In recent media coverage of insurance company premium hikes for plans sold through Covered California, national for-profit insurers are once again playing a tired and disingenuous blame game.
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