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.
Only 3 Weeks Left to Register for Behavioral Health Symposium
What’s happening: On Dec. 8-9, behavioral health care professionals and hospital leaders will gather in Sacramento for CHA’s 2025 Behavioral Health Care Symposium to hear from state and local leaders on behavioral health policies and best practices.
CMS Finalizes CY 2026 Payment Policies for Physicians
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the calendar year (CY) 2026 physician fee schedule final rule.
Texas Secures Major Legal Victory in Provider Tax Dispute, Implications for California Not Yet Known
What’s happening: In a favorable ruling last week, a Texas district court vacated a set of policies from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that bar private provider arrangements from redistributing Medicaid funding in connection with provider tax programs.
2025 CDPH Leadership Updates and District Sessions Will Focus on Licensing Updates
What’s happening: On Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon (PT), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and CHA will host a complimentary, members-only webinar to provide annual CDPH leadership updates.
Comments on Hospital Fair Billing Program Proposed Regulations Due Nov. 3
What’s happening: Comments on the Hospital Fair Billing Program’s proposed regulations to strengthen and streamline existing language are due Nov. 3. The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) expects to implement the regulations in April 2026.
CHA Files Opening Brief in Anthem Lawsuit Appeal
What’s happening: CHA’s efforts to hold Anthem Blue Cross accountable for violating California’s patient protection laws took an important step forward this week: CHA filed its opening brief appealing a February ruling in which Judge Kenneth Freeman decided to abstain.
State Agencies Respond to New Law Protecting Access to Vaccines in California
What’s happening: Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 144, which aims to protect access to vaccines in California.
Court Finds CDPH Incorrectly Interpreted Breach Penalty Law, Upholds Win for Hospitals
What’s happening: On Sept. 23, the Third District Court of Appeal upheld a trial court’s ruling that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) must prove a hospital’s or other health facility’s administrative, physical, or technological safeguards were inadequate before imposing a penalty — a decision with statewide implications for health privacy enforcement.
New Summary Shares Key Provisions of FFY 2026 IPPS Final Rule
What’s happening: CHA has issued a summary detailing the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) final rule.
Hospitals Must Submit 2025 APOT Reduction Protocols to EMSA, Audit Tool Tutorial Now Available
What’s happening: Under Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023), hospitals must submit an ambulance patient offload time (APOT) reduction protocol to the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) annually on or before June 30. CHA recommends that hospitals submit their protocols as soon as possible. EMSA’s APOT Audit Tool aims to reduce APOTs — as required under...