Regulations

HCAI’s Advisory Guide Explains Health Care Microgrid Requirements and More

What’s happening: Due to the continuity of electrical power required to support patient care, requirements for health care microgrids are above and beyond those of traditional microgrids — and health care facilities with microgrid projects under the Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI’s) jurisdiction can turn to a new microgrid advisory guide for assistance understanding the process.  

CMS Proposes Inadequate IPPS Update for FFY 2026

What’s happening: On April 11, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule — which falls short of what hospitals need to keep up with rising costs and health care needs.   

What else to know: As a result of all proposed changes, CMS estimates that hospital inpatient payments will increase by $4 billion in FFY 2026. Comments on the proposed rule are due June 10.   

Expanded Hospital Supplier Diversity Reports Due July 1

What’s happening: The first round of expanded Hospital Supplier Diversity Reports required under Assembly Bill (AB) 1392 (2023) are due to the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) on July 1.  

What else to know: In 2024, the Office of Administrative Law approved HCAI’s regulations to implement AB 1392. This year, the new reporting requirements are fully in effect — and HCAI has developed a new template to support and inform this updated reporting.