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.
Delay in Staffing Policy Prevents Psychiatric Care Crisis
Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it would delay adopting emergency regulations for acute psychiatric hospital staffing until June 1, rather than its original deadline of Jan. 31.
Psychiatric Staffing Ratio Proposal Would Immediately Upend Care
A dangerous and detrimental staffing ratio mandate for freestanding psychiatric hospitals that would make it harder for Californians to get treatment for mental health disorders is careening toward approval.
Proposed Staffing Regulations Will Immediately Reduce Psychiatric Hospital Beds, Upending Behavioral Health Care in California
In a proposal that is as baffling as it is irresponsible, new regulations from the California Department of Public Health will prevent Californians from getting the mental health care they desperately need.
Resources Available to Support New Mandatory Psychiatric Inpatient Experience Reporting
What’s happening: To support hospitals in reporting Psychiatric Inpatient Experience (PIX) Survey data — mandatory as of Jan. 1 — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a host of new resources including data collection templates, a data dictionary, and the Spanish version of the survey.
Immediate Compliance with New Acute Psychiatric Hospital Staff Ratios Would Close Patient Beds, CHA Argues
What’s happening: Last week, CHA submitted a letter to the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Center for Health Care Quality to recommend several changes to the draft regulations on acute psychiatric hospital staffing, which are proposed to take effect on Jan. 31.
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.