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On March 4, Gov. Newsom declared a state of emergency based on the rising number of novel coronavirus cases in the state. The declaration makes additional resources available, formalizes emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and is intended to help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19.
The declaration includes several requests CHA made on behalf of hospitals, including:
Allowing the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to suspend health facility licensing statutes and regulations upon approval by the CDPH Director
Allowing out-of-state practitioners to work in California without additional state licensure, upon approval by the Emergency Medical Services Authority director
Extending disability benefits to health care workers who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19
Allowing hospitals to provide child care without a day care license, provided they receive a waiver from the Department of Social Services
CHA also requested specific items related to rest period penalties, unemployment benefits for furloughed workers, and expedited enrollment for practitioners in Medi-Cal that are not included in the declaration of emergency.