About Coronavirus/Flu/RSV

Although federal and state public health emergencies have ended, hospitals continue to face a high number of patients needing acute care services. At the same time, we need to remain vigilant and begin planning for potential increases in COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in our hospitals.
As California’s hospitals continue their life-saving work, we continue to advocate on their behalf, and for their patients.
Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 5 Now Open
CHA reminds members that Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reporting period 5 opened on July 1. Reports are due on Sept. 30, 2023. This reporting period covers funds from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022. PRF recipients had until June 30, 2023, to use any funds received during this time frame to offset expenses or lost revenue related to COVID-19.
CMS Modifies Critical Access Hospital 96-Hour Calculation for COVID-19 PHE Waiver Period
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a memo making a one-time adjustment to the 96-hour annual average patient length of stay for critical access hospitals (CAHs) due to the waiver of the requirement during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
COVID-19 Archive Chronicles Pandemic Memories
Alameda Health System has published a collective memory of the work it did to care for its community throughout the pandemic.
CMS Removes COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Health Care Workers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule withdrawing the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for workers in most health care settings that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement. They include but are not limited to hospitals, dialysis facilities, ambulatory surgical settings, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities.
Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 5 Opens July 1
CHA is reminding members that Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reporting period 5 opens on July 1, 2023. This reporting period covers funds received Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022. PRF recipients have until June 30, 2023, to use any funds received during this time frame to offset expenses or lost revenue related to COVID-19.
CMS Issues New Guidance on End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several memos updating guidance on the May 11 end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
Telehealth Flexibilities Extended for Hospital Outpatient Therapies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued updated frequently asked questions on the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) extending telehealth flexibilities for hospital outpatient therapies.
CDPH Issues All Facilities Letter on COVID-19 Data
The California Department of Public Health has issued All Facilities Letter (AFL) 20-31.6, which announces that effective May 12, the COVID-19 Tracking Tool is discontinued. General acute care hospitals (GACH) must continue to submit daily COVID-19 and influenza data to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National […]
CMS Issues New Guidance on End of COVID-19 PHE & Related Waivers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new guidance on the May 11 end of the COVID-19 public health emergency and related regulatory waivers.
CMS Issues FAQs on Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the agency’s waivers and flexibilities ahead of the May 11 expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).