About Hospital Operations
Hospitals are grappling with staffing shortages, financial shortfalls, and extensive oversight and regulation. One in five hospitals is at risk of closure, yet hospitals remain committed to maintaining the care communities rely on and supporting the state’s health care workforce. To do this, hospitals are actively working with legislators and policymakers to find innovative and efficient ways to deliver care to all Californians.
CDPH to Transition Online Application Portal Beginning Feb. 12
What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released All Facilities Letter 26-06, which announces the transition of its online application system for general acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals. The current system will be decommissioned at the close of business today, and the online application portal will be temporarily unavailable until...
Insights, Strategies, and Networking: Register Now for CHA’s HR Conference
What’s happening: CHA’s HR Conference — set for Feb. 26-27 in Sacramento — is almost here, but it’s not too late to register. This event, designed specifically for HR leaders in health care, will offer the latest legal updates, a chance to hear what’s working at other facilities, and actionable strategies that can be tailored to each hospital.
CDPH Releases Guidance on Nurse Staffing Regulations Under Senate Bill 596
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released All Facilities Letter 26-04 on Senate Bill (SB) 596 (2025), which changes how violations of nurse-to-patient ratios are assessed and defines an on-call list.
CDPH Issues Reminder on Post-Survey Evaluations
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released All Facilities Letter (AFL) 26-02, which reminds facilities that an online evaluation is available to help improve the post-survey process.
Cal/OSHA Standards Boards to Hold Advisory Committee Meeting on Surgical Smoke
What’s happening: On Jan. 20, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board will hold an advisory committee meeting on occupational exposure to plume (surgical smoke) in health care from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT) via Zoom.
HCAI Issues Revised Policy Intent Notice on Emergency Decontamination
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) recently revised Policy Intent Notice (PIN) 35 on emergency work authorization for health care decontamination facilities.
2026 Rural Health Care Symposium
Join us in Sacramento at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel for a unique symposium dedicated to California’s rural hospital leaders. Together, we’ll explore the specific challenges rural hospitals face and uncover valuable insights on a range of critical health care topics.
HCAI to Highlight Tips for Collaboration in Hospital Construction at Jan. 14 Webinar
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information is hosting a complimentary webinar from 1:30 to 3 p.m. (PT) on Jan. 14 that will focus on fostering a Collaborative Inspection Approach to Hospital Construction.
OSHPD Clarifies Emergency Work Authorization Process
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information’s Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) has released a policy intent notice outlining its plans to standardize emergency work authorizations.
House Passes Five-Year Extension of Hospital-at-Home Program
What’s happening: On Dec. 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CHA-supported Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313) which would extend the Hospital-at-Home program for five years, through Sept. 30, 2030.