Compliance

HCAI Releases New Guidance on Alternate On-Site Power Sources

What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) released new guidance on the use of on-site alternate sources of power other than diesel generator(s) to be used as the essential electrical system (EES) power source(s). 

What else to know: HCAI released a new code of application notice (CAN) on health care microgrids. The amendment in the 2022 California Electrical Code, effective July 1, is intended to permit the use of on-site alternate sources of power other than diesel generator(s) to be used as the EES power source(s).  

Summary: Finalized Skilled-Nursing Facility Staffing Standards

What’s happening: A summary is available of finalized new staffing standards for long-term care facilities, including skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) and SNFs operated as distinct-part units of acute care hospitals. 

What else to know: The regulations are effective June 21, with compliance with overall ratios required beginning May 2026.   

HHS Finalizes Privacy Rule to Protect Reproductive Health Information

What’s happening: The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule prohibiting entities regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule from using or disclosing protected health information (PHI) to investigate or prosecute patients, providers, or others involved in providing legal reproductive health services. 

What else to know: The final rule is effective June 25, and covered entities are required to comply within 240 days. Hospitals will need to update their policies and procedures to comply with these new rules. 

HHS Issues Rules on Nondiscrimination in Health Care

What’s happening: The Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) issued two final rules to strengthen nondiscrimination protections in health care.  

What else to know: These rules also aim to ensure equitable access to health care. Hospitals will need to update their policies and procedures to comply with the new rules. 

Hearing Set for CHA-Sponsored Seismic Relief Bill

What’s happening: CHA’s sponsored legislation that would provide relief from California’s 2030 seismic construction mandates passed the Senate Health Committee last week on an 11-0 vote. Senate Bill (SB) 1432 is now set for a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on May 6.  

What else to know: The chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee is the primary author of the bill, Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced).  

CMS Finalizes Skilled-Nursing Facility Staffing Standards 

What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule establishing new staffing standards for long-term care facilities, including skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) and SNFs operated as distinct-part units of acute care hospitals. 

What else to know: The regulations are effective June 21. Compliance with overall ratios is required beginning May 2026.  

Submit Medicare Physician Attestation Statements by May 3

What’s happening: As a condition of participation, Medicare-certified hospitals must complete attestation and acknowledgment of physicians with newly granted admitting privileges in the previous calendar year. 

What else to know: Attestation statements for 2023 should be submitted by May 3. 

CMS Revises Informed Consent Guidance for Hospitals

What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Hospital Interpretive Guidelines for Informed Consent.  

What else to know: The guidance clarifies the need to obtain informed consent from patients to perform important surgical tasks, and sensitive or invasive procedures, as well as examinations outside of the medically necessary procedure.