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.
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.
CDPH Releases Resources to Support Patient Safety Plan Submission Ahead of Jan. 1 Implementation
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released an All Facilities Letter (AFL) reminding providers of upcoming patient safety plan requirements, passed as part of Assembly Bill (AB) 3161 in 2024.
New State Initiative Aims to Lower Healthcare-Associated Infections
What’s happening: Covered California, Cal Healthcare Compare, and CalPERS — with support from state agencies, health plans, hospitals, and improvement organizations — have joined forces in a new collaborative that aims to create a statewide framework for quality alignment and improvement in hospitals across California.
Bill Reaffirming Immigration Protections Now in Effect, CHA Issues Compliance Primer
What’s happening: A bill passed earlier this year reaffirms existing protections related to immigration enforcement action at California hospitals. CHA has released a hospital compliance primer with more details, including steps hospitals should take to demonstrate their compliance with the new law.
CHA Releases Guide to Improve Homelessness Reporting Ahead of Potential Reimbursement Changes
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now considers homelessness a “complication or comorbidity,” acknowledging the increased care resources this population requires. This acknowledgement signals potential Medicare reimbursement changes in the future.