CHA News

CHA FAQs Detail AB 2975 Hospital Weapon Detection Requirements

What’s happening: Following numerous questions about Assembly Bill (AB) 2975’s requirements, CHA has developed a frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) fact sheet to assist hospitals with planning for implementation.  

What else to know: AB 2975 will require all hospitals to adopt and implement a weapon detection policy — and screen at certain entrances for instruments capable of causing death or serious bodily injury — by sometime around March 2027. 

CHA Supports Eliminating Low Wage Index Hospital Policy for FFY 2025

What’s happening: CHA submitted comments in support of an interim final rule that eliminates the low wage index policy and associated budget neutrality adjustment for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025.  

What else to know: The rule was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) decision in Bridgeport Hospital, et al., v. Becerra. 

DEA, HHS Extend Telehealth Prescribing Flexibilities

What’s happening: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended existing waiver flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine through Dec. 31, 2025. 

What else to know: This is the third extension.  

HQI Virtual Forum to Discuss Workplace Violence in Rural, Critical Access Hospitals

What’s happening: Individuals leading and supporting hospital efforts to eliminate workplace violence are invited to the next Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) virtual forum on Dec. 12 at noon (PT).  

What else to know: The forum will discuss workplace violence concerns and interventions specific to critical access and rural hospitals. Registration is open, and participation is free for all CHA and HQI member hospitals.    

CHA Member Alert: Urge Congress to Eliminate Medicaid DSH Payment Reductions

What’s happening: Reductions in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments to states are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1. If these cuts go into effect, California hospitals would lose $1.2 billion in 2025. 

What else to know: CHA is urging members to contact their Congressional representatives before Dec. 6 and ask them to sign a bipartisan letter requesting that House leadership prevent the cuts.  

Updated California Results Relevant to Hospitals

What’s happening: As ballots from more than 16 million Californians continue to be counted, state and congressional races are coming into focus.  

What else to know: Though the election was more than two weeks ago, the winners of some key races have yet to be decided.  

Letter Highlights Challenges CA Hospitals Face Receiving COVID-19 Relief Funds

What’s happening: On Nov. 18, CHA sent a letter to the California congressional delegation about outstanding COVID-19 relief funds owed to California hospitals and the challenges they have had getting funds obligated from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

What else to know: Also on Nov. 18, President Joe Biden sent Congress a $100 billion emergency supplemental funding request, which includes money for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and called on members to approve the package for recent and past disasters.  

CHA Outlines Year-End Federal Legislative Health Care Priorities

What’s happening: In a Nov. 18 letter to the California congressional delegation, CHA outlined legislative priorities for the remainder of the 118th Congress — which must act by Dec. 20 to fund the federal government.  

What else to know: It is likely that some health care extensions and policies could be a part of Congress’ funding package. 

Authors
  • Erika Frank
    Vice President, Legal Counsel
  • Megan Howard
    Vice President, Federal Policy