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.
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.
As Congress Prepares to Focus on Area Wage Index, CHA Issues Informational Document for Hospitals
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. What else […]
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.
HQI to Host Five-Part Webinar Series on Building a Hospital Safety Culture
What’s happening: The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is offering a five-part webinar series to address strategies for increasing patient safety and improving response to patient harm.
What else to know: The series will provide a deep dive into the five domains of HQI’s flagship program, HQI Cares: BETA HEART®, and explore their alignment with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new Patient Safety Structural Measure.
CHA to Host 2025 HR Conference
What’s happening: CHA has partnered with the Hospital Association of Southern California to host the 2025 HR Conference in Long Beach, taking place on 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, including recruitment and retention strategies, reasonable accommodation best practices, wage and hour compliance, and workplace investigations. Registration is open for CHA members.
HQI Virtual Forum to Discuss Workplace Violence in Rural, Critical Access Hospitals
What’s happening: Individuals leading and supporting hospital efforts to eliminate workplace violence are invited to the next Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) virtual forum on Dec. 12 at noon (PT).
What else to know: The forum will discuss workplace violence concerns and interventions specific to critical access and rural hospitals. Registration is open, and participation is free for all CHA and HQI member hospitals.