Furthering the Fight for FEMA Funds
Even years after the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, the long tail of the pandemic continues to trip up health care in our state.
CEO Message
Eye on Washington — Health Care in Spotlight as Congress Reconvenes
With less than two months before America selects its next president, Congress has returned to Washington, D.C., to consider a federal funding plan, with action required before Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown. Given it is an election year, a shutdown is unlikely, and Congress will need to take temporary actions to keep programs operating.
Legislature Delivers Strong Results for Hospital Patients, California Communities
Last week, California’s Legislature concluded its 2024 session, with hundreds of bills now headed to Gov. Newsom for his signature or veto.
The Push Continues in the Legislature for Seismic Compliance
We’re pleased to share that yesterday in Sacramento, the Assembly approved Senate Bill (SB) 1432, which provides up to five years of additional time for hospitals to comply with the 2030 seismic mandate — at the discretion of the Department of Health Care Access and Information.
Seismic Extension Bill Advances, But Hurdles Remain
“This bill would risk patient and worker safety by delaying decades long requirements that California’s hospitals be functional and not at risk of evacuation in the aftermath of a major earthquake. The author and sponsor have rejected amendments to increase transparency, accountability and to prevent automatic extensions. The bill now allows hospitals to continue to evade compliance with the standard and puts patients, first responders, and workers at risk.” — California Federation of Labor Unions
Private Equity Bill Would Create Barriers to Needed Investment in Health Care
As California’s 2024 legislative session nears its conclusion on Aug. 31, a bill that would create greater oversight for private equity investments in health care continues to generate concern for hospitals seeking to ensure Californians have access to the services they need.
Park Fire Reminds Us All of the Importance of Hospitals
The Park Fire — now California’s fourth-largest wildfire — started on July 24 and has consumed more than 425,000 acres in Tehama and Butte counties. Fortunately, there have been no injuries or deaths attributed to the blaze.
Disaster Readiness, Quality, Behavioral Health Lead Fall Educational Opportunities
Heading into the second half of 2024, there are several exciting educational opportunities from CHA that you and your teams — depending on their area of responsibility and interest — would benefit from attending.
With a Month Left in Session, Positive News on Many Bills
Next month, state legislators will return from their summer recess and finalize the outcome of hundreds of bills — including dozens that will have some bearing on hospital care — before concluding the 2024 session on Aug. 31.
New OHCA Educational Resources Available
As the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) continues its efforts to curb growth in health care spending following its setting of a 3.5% growth target in April (ramping down to 3% in 2029), CHA has released a series of brief presentations to help hospital leaders understand both the process and potential implications of OHCA decisions.
