The newsroom includes access to CHA News, which provides timely information to members every Thursday and is at the core of CHA benefits. In addition, it is also home to resources such as toolkits and talking points designed to help member hospitals and health systems communicate with internal and external audiences on a range of current health care-related issues. Links to CHA media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
CDPH Updates COVID-19 Guidance to Prepare for Winter Virus Surge
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has published All Facilities Letter 23-26, which streamlines and updates recommendations for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in skilled-nursing facilities (SNF). What else to know: SNFs are asked to ensure staff readiness for the upcoming winter respiratory virus season, which includes...
Children’s Behavioral Health Services Lack Timely Access
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s happening: The California State Auditor recently investigated children’s access to Medi-Cal-covered behavioral health services.
What else to know: The auditor concluded that many Medi-Cal health plans were out of compliance with state requirements for timely care and that the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is not adequately disciplining health plans.
Five California Teaching Hospitals Awarded Additional Residency Slots
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s Happening: New graduate medical education (GME) residency slots have been allotted to teaching hospitals serving geographic areas and underserved populations.
What Else to Know: Applications for the third round of residency positions will open in January and close March 31.
Summary: Proposed Policy Changes for Medicare Advantage Plans
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s Happening: A members-only summary from Health Policy Alternatives, Inc. of the proposed policy changes for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is available.
What Else to Know: The proposed policies affect MA (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D), Medicare cost plans, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.
DHCS Authorizes Doulas Without Physician Approval for Any Medi-Cal Member
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s happening: A new update on doula regulations from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) removes the need for physician approval to allow doulas to be present during deliveries in hospitals. What else to know: DHCS Medical Director, Karen Mark, MD, has authorized doula services for any Medi-Cal member who is pregnant or was...
Complementary Seismic Signage Template Can Help Provide Context
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s happening: CHA has created a signage template for you to consider posting alongside required seismic signage resulting from the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 1882. What else to know: The deadline for compliance with AB 1882 posting requirements is Jan. 1, 2024. This template offers an opportunity for hospitals to emphasize their commitment to — and progress...
Draft Policies Available for Public Comment on California Data Exchange Framework
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s Happening: Draft policies for the California Data Exchange Framework (DxF) have been released by the California Health and Human Services Agency’s Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) and are open for public comment. What Else to Know: Comments are due to CDII by Dec. 18 for the participant directory policy and by Dec....
CHA Shares Information for Hospitals on Winter Surge Program Flexibility
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s Happening: Hospitals are preparing for patient surges due to the increase of respiratory infections this winter and may need to request flexibility from licensing regulations.
What Else to Know: There are important things for hospitals to keep in mind when sending program flexibility applications to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
FDA Must Consider Alternatives to Laboratory Developed Test Proposals
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s Happening: CHA submitted comments to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on proposed regulation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs).
What Else to Know: The proposed rule would have significant unintended consequences for the delivery of medical laboratory services and would raise costs to the overall health care system.
Tell Congress to Vote No on Site-Neutral Payment Cuts
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s Happening: The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378), which includes harmful Medicare site-neutral payment cuts as soon as Dec. 11.
What Else to Know: CHA asks members to call or email your U.S. representative and urge them to vote no.
