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.
CDPH Releases Guidance on Nurse Staffing Regulations Under Senate Bill 596
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released All Facilities Letter 26-04 on Senate Bill (SB) 596 (2025), which changes how violations of nurse-to-patient ratios are assessed and defines an on-call list.
Cal/OSHA Standards Boards to Hold Advisory Committee Meeting on Surgical Smoke
What’s happening: On Jan. 20, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board will hold an advisory committee meeting on occupational exposure to plume (surgical smoke) in health care from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT) via Zoom.
CMS Repeals Minimum Staffing Standards for Skilled-Nursing Facilities
What’s happening: On Dec. 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued an interim final rule that repeals minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities, which were finalized in 2024.
Free Children’s Mental Health Consults Available to 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....
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 ...
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...
Health Workforce Initiatives — Participant Information
Staffing shortages remain a top concern for many hospitals and health systems in California. While many hospitals continue to be overwhelmed by staff burnout, organizations are looking for opportunities to develop and retain qualified employees.