CHA News

CMS to Rescind Prior Audit Denials for Mid-Build Exceptions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is rescinding prior audit denials for hospitals that failed to qualify for the “mid-build exception” to the site-neutral payment policy. CMS will review each previously failing provider’s audit findings for compliance with statutory requirements, as well as for accuracy and completeness.

San Joaquin Valley Continues to Transfer Patients Statewide, State Using Public Health Officer Regions for Transfer Trigger

Since Sept. 3, transfers from hospitals in the San Joaquin Valley to hospitals throughout the state have been required when clinically appropriate and capable as determined by the hospital leadership and Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC). This is in place until at least today, Sept. 9. If the San Joaquin Valley continues to remain...

Coyle Focuses on Nurse Staffing Crisis in CapRadio Interview

As COVID-19 continues to surge in some parts of the state and hospitals gear up for a busy end of year, CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle spoke to Vicki Gonzalez of CapRadio’s Insight (available at 24.50 mark) about the nurse staffing crisis that could threaten care.   

Biden Issues COVID-19 Action Plan with Vaccine Requirements for Health Care Workers, Federal Employees & Contractors, Private Sector Employees

Today President Biden announced his COVID-19 Action Plan. As part of the plan, President Biden issued an executive order requiring all federal executive branch workers to be vaccinated with no option for being regularly tested as an alternative and an executive order directing that this standard be extended to employees of contractors that do business with the federal government.  

Extension Available for Submitting Training Proof to Attorney General

On Aug. 23, the state Attorney General (AG) sent a letter to 191 California perinatal health care facilities asking them to submit, by Sept. 20, proof of compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 464 (Statutes of 2019, Ch. 533). This law requires hospitals to provide initial and refresher training to perinatal personnel on implicit bias in maternity care, effective Jan. 1, 2020.  

CHA Comments on CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

CHA submitted comments on the calendar year (CY) 2022 physician fee schedule proposed rule. In the letter, CHA:  Urges CMS to work with Congress to address significant payment reductions to the proposed conversion factor and physician payments Urges CMS to continue to support the expansion of telehealth by finalizing proposals to maintain Category 3 telehealth services until the end of CY 2023...