About Workforce
California’s shortage of health care workers is severe. Statewide, more than 22% of Californians live in an area without enough primary care providers. There, patients often face a health care system lacking enough nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and others. California needs to add 500,000 new allied health care professionals such as medical assistants, imaging specialists, and more. Closing the gap will require partnership among employers, workers, policymakers, colleges, licensing entities, and others.
Five California Teaching Hospitals Awarded Additional Residency Slots
What’s Happening: New graduate medical education (GME) residency slots have been allotted to teaching hospitals serving geographic areas and underserved populations.
What Else to Know: Applications for the third round of residency positions will open in January and close March 31.
During a Season of Thanks, an Opportunity for Gratitude
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy
Have Questions About Minimum Wage Bill? CHA FAQs May Help
What’s Happening: CHA has released FAQs on Senate Bill 525, which creates minimum wages for health care workers.
What Else to Know? The FAQs are designed to answer member questions and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Governor’s Signature Provides Time, Predictability for Hospitals to Increase Wages
Last Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 525, which sets minimum wages for health care workers across the state.
Minimum Wage Advocacy Stretches into Final Hours of Signing Deadline
The gubernatorial signing deadline for bills passed in California’s 2023 legislative session is a little more than 48 hours away. One piece of legislation still awaiting action is SB 525, a bill that would raise the minimum wage for health care workers and is critical for hospitals to create a stable and predictable path for these increases.
Federal Budget Deal Provides Relief, Albeit Temporary
News over the weekend that federal legislators reached a deal to continue funding the government for the next 45 days is welcome for hospitals on a couple of fronts.
HQI, CHPSO Will Host Oct. 18 Webinar on Impact of Drug Shortages
HQI and CHPSO will host a webinar on the impact of drug shortages on patients and health care operations on Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. (PT).
CHA Resource on Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility Now Available
CHA has created a two-page resource on the new requirements, including revisions to the definition of “employee” and “qualifying employer,” that will enable California’s nonprofit hospitals to certify physician employment under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
CHA Comments on Physician Loan Forgiveness Application
CHA — along with the California Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and Texas Hospital Association — has submitted a letter to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona about the Application and Employment Certification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
HRSA Launches Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has launched a new Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program to recruit and retain clinicians who provide health care to children and adolescents.