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.
Applications Open for CalHealthCares Loan Repayment
The CalHealthCares fiscal year 2021-22 Cohort 4 Application Cycle is open through Feb. 25.
U.S. House Letter Urges Investigations into Anticompetitive Conduct of Nurse Staffing Agencies
In the U.S. House of Representatives, 196 members — including 25 members of the California congressional delegation — signed on to a bipartisan letter asking the White House to enlist the support of federal agencies to investigate reports of anticompetitive behavior from nurse staffing agencies.
HRSA Awards $103 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Reduce Burnout and Promote Mental Health and Wellness Among Health Care Workforce
The Health Resources and Services Administration announced $103 million in awards to improve the retention of health care workers and help respond to the nation’s critical staffing needs by reducing burnout and promoting mental health and wellness among the health care workforce. .
Webinar Will Detail IPPS Rule and What It Means for Resident Training Programs
On Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. (PT), Chad Mulvany, CHA vice president, federal policy, and Tom Hubner, Toyon Associates, Inc. vice president, will hold a webinar to discuss the supplemental inpatient prospective payment system final rule and what it means for expanding resident training programs.
CHA Briefs Media on Coming COVID-19 Surge, Dispels Workforce Myths
During a well-attended statewide media call on Jan. 13, CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle provided details of the coming COVID-19 surge peak, its impact on hospitals, and the nature of the workforce challenges being felt throughout the state.
Supreme Court Allows CMS Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Settings; Blocks OHSA Vaccine-or-Test Requirements
In a 5-4 decision issued Jan. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court will allow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) interim final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination for health care staff to take effect nationwide. Previously, the mandate was blocked in 25 states that challenged the requirements.
CHA Alert Urges Representatives to Ask Federal Agencies to Investigate Anticompetitive Conduct of Nurse Staffing Agencies
CHA has issued an alert encouraging hospitals to urge their U.S. representative to sign on to a bipartisan “Dear Colleague” letter led by Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA). The letter asks the White House to enlist the support of federal agencies to investigate reports of anticompetitive behavior from nurse staffing agencies.
Hospitals: Final Step to Expand Coverage for All Included in January Budget Proposal Will Deliver Care to Millions
“Governor Newsom’s budget proposal to expand health care coverage to all income-eligible adults ages 26-49 regardless of immigration status is the final step needed to ensure that California becomes the first state in the nation to achieve universal health care coverage,” said Carmela Coyle, President & CEO of the California Hospital Association. “Delivering coverage for […]