About Behavioral Health
An estimated 7.5 million people in California experience a mental health disorder in any given year, but only one-third of adults who experience mental illness are getting treatment due to a lack of behavioral health care workers. Despite major improvements in health care coverage over the past decade, substantial discrepancies persist in available behavioral health care among commercial health plans and public programs. For this reason, many people experiencing mental health crises frequently turn to hospital emergency departments for treatment, and this number is increasing. From 2011 to 2020, there was a 68% increase. Caregivers at hospitals know the obstacles people with behavioral health conditions face and the challenges in getting them treatment and embrace the essential role they play in helping those in crisis. Strategies must mirror those in primary health care where the goal is prevention and early intervention, along with offering a continuum of services that will help Californians with behavioral health needs avoid acute care, hospitalization, incarceration, conservatorships, and institutionalization.
Budget Deal Brings Big Changes for Health Care
Earlier this week, California’s Senate and Assembly, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, finalized several important details of this year’s budget, a $300 billion spending package that includes several far-reaching features that will affect both health care delivery and hospital operations. While legislation is far from complete and it is expected that more issues will arise […]
CMS Issues Revised Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new and revised guidance for long-term care (LTC) facilities, clarifying policies for surveyors under the 2016 LTC Requirements for Participation final rule.
HRSA Announces Grant Funding to Expand Rural Access to Opioid Treatment
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the availability of $10 million in substance misuse grant funding through the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.
Governor’s Revised Budget Includes Important Health Care Investments but Does Not Address Hospitals’ Inflationary Challenges
On May 13, Gov. Newsom released the May Revision with modifications to the proposed state budget he first presented in January.
Revised State Budget Proposes Important Health Care Investments but Does Not Address Hospitals’ Inflationary Challenges
On May 13, Gov. Newsom released the May Revision with modifications to the proposed state budget he first presented in January. Tax revenue estimates have surged by $55 billion since the governor’s January budget proposal, creating a discretionary budgetary surplus of $49 billion and allowing the state to make new investments beyond what was proposed […]
New Funds Available for Emergency Department Navigators
Applications are now available to all California hospitals with emergency services (comprehensive, basic, or standby) to participate in the California Bridge Navigator Program for emergency department (ED) patients with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.
Bringing the Hospital Voice to Washington
It’s been more than two years since the American Hospital Association held its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. — and this past week presented an important opportunity for hospital leaders from across the country to connect with one another and to personally deliver vital messages to policymakers at the highest levels of our nation’s government. […]
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Accepting Grant Applications for Mobile Crisis Support Teams
The California Health Facilities Financing Authority has opened a grant opportunity for counties and county-designated providers to apply for Investment in Mental Health Wellness Grant Program funding to support mobile crisis support teams for children and youth under age 21.
CHA Issues Summary of FY 2023 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility PPS Proposed Rule
CHA has issued a members-only summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., of the fiscal year (FY) 2023 inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) prospective payment system proposed rule recently issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Comments on the proposed rule are due to CMS by 2 p.m. (PT) on May 31.
CMS Issues FY 2023 Inpatient Psychiatric Facility PPS Proposed Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed rule updating payments to inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Comments on the proposed rule are due by 2 p.m. (PT) on May 31.