About Behavioral Health
Many Californians can’t get the behavioral health care they need due to a shortage of resources. In fact, 92% of hospitals that provide psychiatric inpatient care report they are unable to admit new patients because discharging current patients to step-down care is so difficult. This congestion means patients are in more restrictive settings than they need, which leads to emergency department overcrowding. To address California’s behavioral health crisis, strategies must mirror those in primary care — where the goal is to prevent illness and provide the right care in the right setting.
CA Medical Board Reminds Providers of Three-Day Rule for Narcotic Prescriptions
What’s happening: The Medical Board of California has distributed its annual notice reminding prescribers that, under federal law, certain authorized practitioners may dispense a three-day supply of Schedule II medications in emergency situations in order to initiate maintenance or detoxification treatment.
Some Psychiatric Hospitals See Uptick in Requests to Admit Former State Hospital Patients
What’s happening: Acute psychiatric hospitals and units located in Sonoma and Orange counties have recently reported increased local pressure to admit individuals who local courts have placed on a “Murphy” conservatorship following treatment in a state hospital.
CHA to Host 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up Webinar on Dec. 3
What’s happening: On Dec. 3 from 2:30- 4 p.m. (PT), a panel of CHA experts will cover key legislation from the 2025 session, highlight crucial deadlines, and answer members’ questions.
2025 Legislative Wrap-up
Don’t miss CHA’s upcoming webinar — your essential guide to navigating new health care laws and regulations. This interactive session is designed to give you a clear, actionable understanding of the latest legislative updates that could impact your operations. Our expert panel will cover key 2024 legislation, highlight crucial deadlines, and answer your pressing questions, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Work Smarter, Not Harder: Leveraging Microsoft 365
CHA Encourages OHCA to More Comprehensively Capture Behavioral Health Spending
What’s happening: CHA has submitted comments on the Office of Heath Care Affordability’s (OHCA’s) proposed methodology for determining California’s behavioral health spending, encouraging the office to ensure its data collection accurately reflects the volume of services provided to patients across the state.