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.
Urge State Senators to Oppose SB 632
What’s happening: Last week, CHA issued an alert asking all hospitals to press senators to oppose Senate Bill (SB) 632, which would create the first-ever broad-based private-sector workers’ compensation presumption that a variety of illnesses and injuries — including COVID-19 — arose in the course of providing direct patient care at hospitals.
CHA Board Chair Siri Nelson Named El Dorado County Woman of the Year
What’s happening: On March 31, California State Assemblymember Joe Patterson recognized Marshall Medical Center CEO Siri Nelson, who also serves as CHA’s board chair, as the 5th Assembly District’s El Dorado County Woman of the Year.
What else to know: In the press release, Patterson commended Nelson’s commitment to ensuring residents have quality health care. “Under her leadership, we have seen expanded innovative healthcare services in our community, in addition to numerous new career opportunities for residents,” he said.
In-Person LEAD Academy: Start Date Shifts to May 6
What’s happening: The Hospital Association of Southern California’s (HASC’s) In-Person LEAD Academy — geared toward health care managers who are either new to their position or looking to enhance their skills — was previously slated for six Tuesdays from April 8 to June 24, but its new dates are six Tuesdays from May 6 to July 29.
What else to know: During this year’s academy — at Sonoma Valley Hospital from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT) — attendees will gain skills in understanding themselves and others, navigating staff dynamics, and driving performance. Registration is open, and attendees can sign up for individual modules or the full academy of six sessions and 12 modules.
Urge Opposition to SB 632’s Workers’ Compensation Changes by April 2
What’s happening: Senate Bill (SB) 632 would create a private sector workers’ compensation presumption that a variety of illnesses and injuries, including COVID-19, arose in the course of providing direct patient care at hospitals. It is critical that hospitals urge opposition to this bill.
What else to know: Hospitals are encouraged to write a letter urging Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, chair of the state Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement, to oppose this bill. The deadline to submit letters is noon (PT) on April 2, and the committee will hear the bill on April 9.
2025 HR Conference Wraps, Planning for 2026 Begins
What’s happening: On Feb. 19-20, more than 100 human resources (HR) professionals gathered in Long Beach for the 2025 HR Conference — where experts offered sage advice, answered questions, and provided best practices on recruitment and retention, artificial intelligence (AI), and more.
What else to know: Co-hosted by CHA and the Hospital Association of Southern California, this was the first in-person HR Conference since 2019 — and planning for the 2026 HR Conference has already begun.
HQI Webinar Shares Actionable Suicide Prevention Strategies
What’s happening: On March 13 from 10-11:30 a.m. (PT), the Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is hosting the What Leaders Should Know: Actionable Suicide Prevention Strategies webinar.
What else to know: Attendees will gain practical strategies for initiating supportive conversations with those who may be struggling and learn about vital resources available to help. Registration is open.
‘Building the Healthcare Workforce’ Grant Program Proposals Due April 1
What’s happening: To address the chronic health care provider shortage in its counties, the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board has released a request for proposals (RFP) for its new Building the Healthcare Workforce (BHW) grant program. The application deadline is April 1 at 3 p.m. (PT).
What else to know: This BHW grant program may support or expand such health care workforce groups as primary care, nursing, behavioral health, dental, allied health, and public health, to name a few. Visit the governing board’s website to download the RFP and associated forms, and submit proposals to grants@cmspcounties.org.
CHA Presentation Details Hospitals’ Role in Health Care Ecosystem
What’s happening: As part of CHA’s efforts to educate new and existing lawmakers on hospitals’ role in the health care ecosystem, Kathryn Austin Scott, senior vice president, state relations and advocacy, and vice presidents of advocacy Kalyn Dean, Mark Farouk, and Vanessa Gonzalez hosted a “Hospital 101” legislative staff briefing on Jan. 14.
2025 HR Conference Offers Continuing Education Credits
What’s happening: In partnership with the Hospital Association of Southern California, CHA will host the two-day 2025 HR Conference in Long Beach, taking place Feb. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What else to know: The conference will cover topics relevant to human resource (HR) professionals, and professional continuing education (CE) credits are available to registrants who complete certain requirements. Registration is open for CHA members.
CDPH Releases Updated Return to Work Guidance for Health Care Personnel with Respiratory Viral Infections
What’s happening: On Jan. 10, the California Department of Public Health released updated Interim Work Exclusion Guidance that details when health care personnel with COVID-19, influenza, and other acute respiratory viral infections may return to work.
What else to know: The guidance, announced in an All Facilities Letter, applies regardless of whether diagnostic testing for viral pathogens is performed or the results of such testing is confirmed. This guidance does not apply to novel viral pathogens, including avian influenza, for which other public health guidance is available.