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.
CHA to Hold Workforce and Human Resources Member Forum on Sept. 12
On Sept. 12, CHA will host a Workforce Development & Human Resources Member Forum in Sacramento. The unique event will provide hospitals the opportunity to gain information and share best practices while helping to shape CHA’s advocacy. Because space is limited, early registration is encouraged.
Federal ‘Conscience’ Rule Delayed
Yesterday, the federal Department of Health and Human Services announced it will delay by four months its expansion of protections for health workers. Referred to as the “conscience rule,” the regulation would protect health care workers who refuse to participate in services — such as abortion, sterilization, and assisted suicide — that run counter to their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
CHA Secures Amendments to Nurse Staffing Ratio Bill, Continues Advocacy to Oppose
One of CHA’s highest legislative priorities this year has been Senate Bill (SB) 227 (Leyva, D-Chino), which would create duplicative and mandatory fines for hospitals if they do not meet required nurse staffing ratios. With help from member hospitals, our advocacy generated key amendments last week, including:
An exemption for hospitals that — in response to an unforeseeable and uncontrollable fluctuation — promptly make an effort to maintain staffing requirements
A 50% reduction in the fines (now $15,000 for the first violation and $30,000 subsequently)
A reduction in the length of time required to revert to a first violation (lowered from six years to three)
Contact Legislators and Urge Opposition to Nurse Staffing Ratio Bill
CHA has extended the deadline for its Advocacy Alert asking members to urge their assemblymembers to oppose Senate Bill (SB) 227, which would create an unreasonable, mandatory penalty system for hospitals that do not meet nurse staffing ratios. The deadline for letters is now 5 p.m. on June 11.
SEIU-UHW Files Los Angeles Ballot Initiative to Limit Hospital Executive Compensation
On April 17, the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (UHW) filed a local ballot initiative with the city of Los Angeles that would place a cap on hospital executive compensation. The measure — called the “Public Health and Fair Pay for Hospital Executives Ordinance” — would cap total compensation for “covered executives” at no more than what the U.S. President is paid (currently $450,000 annually).
Senate Labor Committee Unanimously Passes Bill Clarifying Sexual Harassment Training Deadlines
Earlier this week, the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 778 (Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement), which would clarify deadlines for providing sexual harassment prevention training.
CHA Asks Hospitals to Urge Legislators to Oppose Nurse Staffing Ratio Penalties
Earlier this week, CHA sent an Advocacy Alert to hospital leaders about Senate Bill 227 (Leyva, D-Chino), a bill that would create significant penalties for hospitals that do not meet nurse staffing ratios. CHA urges hospital leaders to contact their representatives about this harmful bill, which would increase costs without providing any benefit to patients.
CHA Supports Resident Physician Shortage Act of 2019
CHA sent a letter to the California congressional delegation this week, urging support of the Resident Physician Shortage Act of 2019 (H.R. 1763), which takes steps to reduce nationwide physician shortages by increasing the number of Medicare-supported residency positions.
Registration Open for Disaster Planning for California Hospitals Conference
Wildfires. Mudslides. Floods. Mass shootings. These once rare or infrequent events have become regular occurrences, and no two disasters are ever the same. Now more than ever, hospitals must reevaluate our procedures and redefine preparation.
Experts Discuss Workers’ Compensation Issues at Upcoming Seminar
CHA’s members-only Hospital Employee Safety and Workers’ Compensation Seminar is coming March 14 to Costa Mesa and March 20 to Sacramento. While providing a safe work environment is always the goal, hospitals need to understand how to get their employees the help they need when they get injured, while remaining compliant with California employment law.