About Laws & Regulations
Navigating the vast network of health care laws and regulations is difficult. To help hospitals, CHA produces manuals and guidebooks, including the Consent Manual, a one-stop resource for all legal requirements related to patient consent for medical treatment, release of medical information, reporting requirements and more; the Model Medical Staff Bylaws and Rules, which outline the framework for working relationships among medical staff, hospital administrators and governing bodies; and the California Hospital Compliance Manual, which covers high-risk compliance issues. CHA also represents California hospitals’ interests in court on issues, including reimbursement, labor and employment, and more.
2026 Disaster Planning Conference
Disaster planning in health care means being ready for anything and ensuring the safety of our communities while maintaining continuity of care when it matters most. The challenges are real, and the expectations are high. This conference brings together both new and experienced professionals for focused training, practical insights, and meaningful connection. Together, we’ll explore […]
New Anthem Payment Policy Hurts Patients, Violates CA Law: CHA Lawsuit
SACRAMENTO (May 4, 2026) — The California Hospital Association (CHA) has filed a lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross to prevent the insurance giant from penalizing hospitals when Anthem enrollees choose a doctor that is out of network, a choice explicitly allowed by their health insurance plan.
Rounding the First Turn in the Legislative Session
A critical deadline passed last week in the state Legislature and there’s good news: both of CHA’s sponsored bills — one that would expand and reinvest in the Distressed Hospital Loan Program and another that would cost out proposed laws — have passed out of their committees.
Hospital Supplier Diversity Plans Due July 1
What’s happening: Hospital Supplier Diversity Plans must be submitted to the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) by July 1 for the reporting period ending Dec. 31, 2025.
DIR Releases Updated Draft Plume Rules; Comments Due June 1
What’s happening: On April 24, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) posted the latest draft regulations for occupational exposure to surgical smoke (plume) in health care. The comment period ends on June 1.
Ahead of June 1 Deadline for Psych Staffing Ratios, CDPH Accepting Program Flex Requests
What’s happening: As the June 1 deadline for free-standing acute psychiatric hospitals staffing ratios approaches, CHA is continuing conversations and advocacy with the California Health and Human Services Agency and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to urge adjustments to the department’s draft regulations.
In Comments on Proposed APOT Regulations, CHA Urges Stronger Collaboration and Accurate Data Publication
What’s happening: Last week, CHA submitted comments to the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) on the proposed Chapter 1.2 Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT) regulations, which implement provisions of Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023).
CHA Files Amicus Brief in Case Challenging Hospital Duty of Care
What’s happening: CHA has filed an amicus brief (friend of the court) in a lawsuit involving a member of the medical staff at Hoag Memorial Hospital. The case involved allegations of misconduct by a physician at his private office and at home, not at the hospital. Although the physician had clinical privileges at the hospital, under California law, he was not employed by Hoag.
Hospital APOT Reduction Protocols Due June 30
What’s happening: As a reminder, all hospitals must submit an ambulance patient offload time (APOT) reduction protocol — required under Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023) — to the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) annually on or before June 30. CHA recommends hospitals submit their protocols as soon as possible.
CARB Approves Climate Transparency Reporting Regulation
What’s happening: At its February meeting, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the adoption of the California Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Climate Financial Risk Disclosure Initial Regulation, an initial step in meeting the regulatory requirements of Senate Bills (SB) 253 and 261.