About Emergency Department/Trauma
California’s emergency departments (EDs) provide critical health services to those experiencing trauma, injury, or acute medical conditions. EDs offer comprehensive care, do not require previous authorization, and are open 24/7 year-round. EDs are facing unprecedented patient volume, with a 42% increase in the past seven years. By improving access to care for primary and specialty services, emergency visits can be reduced. More focused state and federal policies will be required to reduce Californians’ health care risks and ensure equitable access to appropriate care levels before people need emergency care.
State Deactivates Medical and Health Coordination Center
On July 1, the California Department of Public Health and the Emergency Medical Services Authority deactivated the Medical and Health Coordination Center, which was activated in response to the April 2019 measles outbreak. Local health jurisdictions are no longer required to submit weekly situation reports and cost tracking related to the outbreak. Instead, they should follow the defined response protocols in the Public Health and Medical Emergency Operations Manual.
Agenda Set for 2019 Disaster Planning Conference
California may experience any number of disasters in the coming years — from fires to flooding, and more. The agenda for this year’s Disaster Planning for California Hospitals Conference, to be held Sept. 10-11 in Pasadena, reflects the diverse skill sets required of our responders. Covering topics such as lessons learned from active shooter events, integrating business continuity and emergency preparedness, creating resiliency across the continuum of care, and earthquake early warning systems, the event is not to be missed.
CHA Submits Comments on Alternate Destination, Paramedic Regulations
Earlier this week, CHA submitted comments on the Emergency Medical Services Agency’s (EMSA) proposed regulations that would allow emergency medical services providers to transport patients to the hospital or other care setting that best meets patients’ needs.
EMSA Announces Stroke, STEMI Regulations Will Take Effect July 1
The Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) has released final regulations related to stroke critical care systems and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) critical care systems. The regulations establish standard requirements for each type of system. CHA worked with members of its Emergency Medical Services/Trauma Committee to provide feedback to EMSA on these regulations, and is pleased to see them finalized. The regulations will take effect July 1.
EMSC Regulations Will Take Effect July 1
New regulations from the Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) establish standardized best practices for emergency medical services for children programs. CHA and member hospitals worked closely with EMSA’s Emergency Medical Services for Children Committee to produce regulations to provide quality care for children needing emergency services, and is pleased to see the regulation finalized. It will take effect July 1.
$16 Million in Emergency Medical Services Grants Awarded to Improve EMS/Hospital HIE
On April 16, the California Emergency Medical Services Authority announced that six entities had been awarded between $1.5 and $4.9 million dollars to develop and implement interoperable health information exchange (HIE) between emergency ambulance service providers and hospitals/electronic health records via health information exchange organizations (HIOs).
Health Care Providers Reminded to Be Vigilant in Identifying, Isolating Measles Cases
With 21 measles cases reported in California this year, the California Department of Public Health has offered detailed recommendations — through All Facilities Letter 19-17 — for identifying and addressing the disease. The cases reported so far have resulted in hundreds of investigations of possible contact as well as transmission of the disease in emergency departments and other health care settings.
EMSA Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Alternate Destination, Paramedic Practice
The Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) has issued proposed regulations that, when finalized, will allow emergency medical services providers to transport patients to the hospital or other care setting that best meets the patient’s needs. The proposed regulations address paramedic training and establish other requirements for alternative destination protocols.
CDC Issues Health Advisory About Influenza
Influenza activity remains high across the United States, according to a health alert recently issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC notes that the season is likely to last several more weeks and continues to recommend antiviral medications for influenza treatment, regardless of whether a patient received the influenza vaccine.
CDPH Issues Health Advisory About Measles Cases
A new health advisory from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reminds providers to be aware of potential measles cases, as 16 cases have been reported in California since Jan. 1. CDPH notes that providers should not rule out a measles diagnosis based solely on patients reporting they previously received a measles immunization.