Employee Safety

House Advances CHA-Supported Bill to Support Front-Line Health Care Workers

On Nov. 4, the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee passed by voice vote a modified version of the CHA-supported Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 1667). The version that passed aligns with the bill (S. 610) that the Senate passed in August.   The bipartisan legislation is named for a doctor who led the emergency […]

Webinar will Detail Labor and Employment Updates for 2022

To help hospitals comply with the new labor and employment laws taking effect in January, CHA will host a free, members-only webinar on Nov. 9 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (PT).  Gideon Baum, CHA vice president of policy who specializes in labor and employment issues surrounding hospitals, will provide updates and offer strategies on how CHA members can implement new laws and comply with California regulations.   In addition to the new laws affecting hospitals, webinar attendees will also have […]

State Offers Free One-Time, 30-Day Supply of PPE From Stockpile

On May 14, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced in All Facilities Letter 21-15 that the Statewide Logistics Task Force has authorized all health care providers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders to access the state inventory to request a one-time, 30-day sustainment supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). This 30-day supply is free of charge and may be used for stockpiles or in daily operations. Health care providers and EMS responders may request […]

FEMA Announces Additional Reopening Funding

On April 5, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the availability of additional funding to reimburse qualifying costs related to safely reopening and operating certain eligible entities (including private nonprofit medical facilities).   Items eligible for reimbursement include certain personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection, COVID-19 diagnostic testing, screening and temperature scanning, and temporary physical barriers for social distancing. The interim policy includes 100% federal […]

Cal/OSHA Updates COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard FAQs

On Jan. 8, Cal/OSHA updated its FAQs on the COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) that took effect on Nov. 30. Of note for hospitals, Cal/OSHA added two new questions that help to reconcile the scope of the ETS with the Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) Standard.