About Workforce

California’s shortage of health care workers, which was already struggling to keep pace with the growing demand for services before the pandemic, has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. Statewide, more than 11 million Californians live in an area without enough primary care providers. These patients often face a health care system lacking enough nurses, physicians, pharmacists, behavioral health professionals, lab scientists, geriatric specialists, and physical therapists to provide the care they need. To care for patients across the state, California needs to add 500,000 new allied health care professionals — such as medical assistants, imaging specialists, and other non-nursing staff — by 2024.
Health care offers Californians solid career paths with upward mobility and economic stability, and each year hospitals invest millions of dollars in training California’s next generation of health care providers. But closing the gaps will require partnerships among all who recognize the need to protect the health of Californians: employers, workers, policymakers, colleges, licensing entities, and others. Regulatory changes are needed to improve efficiency and transparency in licensing, address limitations on scope of practice, and enhance education and training for nurses and nurse assistants.
Governor’s 2023-24 Budget Proposal Neglects to Meet Urgent Need for Support for Patients, Hospitals
“California’s hospitals commend Gov. Newsom for his ongoing commitment to increasing access to health care in his proposed January budget, despite the state facing a more than $22 billion budget shortfall,” said Carmela Coyle, President & CEO of the California Hospital Association. “The budget also must support the health care providers who care for patients day […]
CMS Awards First Round of GME Residency Slots to Hospitals Serving Underserved Communities
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded 200 new Medicare-funded graduate medical education residency slots to hospitals serving rural and underserved communities.
Congress Finalizes Year-End Omnibus Spending Package
Congress has finalized a $1.7 trillion year-end spending package. However, it must pass both the House of Representatives and Senate to avoid a government shutdown at midnight Friday, Dec. 23, when government funding is currently set to expire.
HQI Webinar to Focus on Workplace Violence, Prevention
A Dec. 14 HQI webinar on violence prevention will teach attendees strategies to protect their communities, workplace, and patients.
CMS Issues Memo on Violence, Safety Risk Requirements in Hospitals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memo on violence and safety risks in hospitals, reminding hospitals of their regulatory obligation to prioritize the safety of patients and hospital staff to ensure the effective delivery of care.
DHCS Updates FAQs on Retention Payment Program
On Nov. 18, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a series of significant updates to the Retention Payment Program FAQs.
Get Updates, Operational Support During CHA Webinar on Retention Pay Program
Realizing that many hospitals may still have questions about the registration and application period for the Retention Payment Program, CHA is hosting a webinar on Dec. 1 to provide updates and operational support.
Deadline Approaching to Dispute Per Resident Amounts and Full Time Equivalent Resident Caps
A Nov. 18 deadline is approaching for teaching hospitals that want to request reviews of their per resident amounts (PRAs) and full-time equivalent resident caps for certain cost reports.
Implementing the State Retention Pay Program: Updates and Operational Support
The state retention pay program represents an important step our state is taking toward recognizing the invaluable contributions of California’s health care workers.
Health Information Exchanges and the Data Sharing Agreement
Join CHA’s Trina Gonzalez along with Andrea Frey, associate at Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC, as they break down everything you need to know to ensure the successful execution of your hospital’s DSA.