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.
CHA Submits Comments to Cal/OSHA on Second Draft of Plume Regulations
What’s happening: CHA has submitted comments to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) in response to the April 24 second draft of regulatory language regarding Assembly Bill 1007 (2023-2024: Occupational safety and health standards: plume).
Comments Due in July for CMS’ Medicaid Supplemental Payments Proposal
What's happening: Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule outlining changes to Medicaid supplemental payments, including managed care state-directed payments. This is some of the implementation rulemaking associated with the payment reductions Congress enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Reminder: 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.
CHA Advocacy Day Will Engage Lawmakers on Proposed AI Legislation
What’s happening: On Tuesday, CHA will host an Advocacy Day at the state Capitol, giving hospitals and coalition members the opportunity to engage directly lawmakers on proposed legislation that would affect the health care field — including bills related to artificial intelligence.
Signatures Verified for SEIU-UHW’s Compensation Cap Measure; CHA Board Backs Measure to Streamline Building Project Approvals
What’s happening: On Wednesday, Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West announced that the signatures they submitted in support of the measure to cap compensation for health care leaders have been verified by county election officials. This moves the campaign closer to qualifying the measure for the November 2026 ballot.
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.