About Quality
California hospitals are focused on quality of care.
They have a partner to help them achieve their goals of improving quality, reducing errors, and maximizing patient safety — the Hospital Quality Institute (HQI).
For hospitals and health systems that belong to it, HQI is a source of performance data and analytics. That data help focus improvement opportunities and scale best practices, leading to reducing patient harm, health care-associated infections, and hospital readmissions.
The Collaborative Healthcare Patient Safety Organization — A division of HQI — supports the institute in its mission and is the nation’s largest and longest operating patient safety organization.
Blue Shield Transitions from Third-Party Administrator to Advisory Role for State’s COVID-19 Vaccine Program
On July 21, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that it will transition Blue Shield of California from its role as third-party administrator to an advisory role as needed.
Quality and Safety Through Transparency and Compassion
As the quality and safety arm for CHA and the Regional Associations, the Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is always working to find new ways to help hospitals not only improve the lives of the patients they touch, but also create a culture of patient safety within their organizations.
New HQI Program Inspires Culture Change, Drives Patient Safety
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) and CHA’s three regional associations — Hospital Council – Northern & Central California, the Hospital Association of Southern California, and the Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties — have launched a new program called HQI Cares: Implementing BETA HEART® to Build a Culture of Safety.
CHA Issues Summary of CY 2022 End Stage Renal Disease PPS Proposed Rule
CHA has issued a members-only summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., of the proposed rule released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2022.
CMS Issues CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its calendar year (CY) 2022 physician fee schedule (PFS) proposed rule on July 13. Comments on the rule are due by 2 p.m. (PT) on Sept. 13.
CHA Issues Summary of CY 2022 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule
CHA has issued a members-only summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., of the calendar year 2022 home health prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule. Comments on the rule are due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by 2 p.m. (PT) on Aug. 27.
CMS Issues CY 2022 End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its proposed rule updating the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year (CY) 2022. In addition to proposed ESRD PPS payment rates updates, the proposed rule includes changes to the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP) and to the ESRD Treatment Choices Model to address health equity. Comments on the proposed rule are due Aug. 31.
Reminder: Submit Any Program Flexes Needed Prior to July 17 Expiration of Statewide Space Waiver
Hospitals are reminded to submit a program flexibility request to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) as soon as possible if any alternative uses of space need to continue. As previously reported, CDPH provided 60 days’ advance notice that, effective July 17, space and other flexibilities in All Facilities Letter (AFL) 20-26.8 will expire.
CHA Issues Comments on FFY 2022 IPPS Proposed Rule
CHA has issued a comment letter on the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule.
CDPH Updates Hospital Visitor Recommendations, Continues to Require Face Coverings for Visitors
With the state moving beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy as of June 15, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated recommendations for hospital visitation and continues to require face coverings for individuals visiting hospitals and other health care facilities.