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
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.
CDPH Issues New Guidance to Support Doula Access in Hospitals
What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released All Facilities Letter (AFL) 25-13 on March 24 that offers guidance to hospitals on supporting the Medi-Cal doula benefit — available since January 1, 2023 — and outlines recommendations for patient visitation policies and procedures.
EMSA Releases AB 40 Emergency Regulations
What’s happening: On April 1, the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) released emergency regulations to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023).
What else to know: Because these are emergency regulations, there will only be a five-day comment period. Comments are due to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) by Saturday, April 5.
Key Deadline Approaching for OHCA’s ‘High Cost’ Hospital Proposal
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date. What’s happening: Hospitals’ deadline for commenting on the Office of Health Care Affordability’s (OHCA’s) proposed methodology to identify “high-cost” hospitals is rapidly approaching; letters are due April 11. What else to know: On April 2, CHA issued an Alert with resources […]
DMHC Issues Updated Guidance on Claims Payment Requirements
What’s happening: The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has issued All Plan Letter (APL) 25-007, which provides guidance to health care service plans on requirements for reimbursing claims for health care services with a date of receipt on or after Jan. 1, 2026. What else to know: The updated guidance reflects the provisions […]
Court Rules FDA Cannot Regulate Laboratory-Developed Tests
What’s happening: In a final judgment filed March 31, the U.S. District Court for Eastern Texas ruled that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to regulate laboratory-developed tests, rendering a final rule issued May 6, 2024, null and void.
What else to know: This final rule phased out the FDA’s general enforcement discretion approach for most laboratory-developed tests to instead provide greater oversight.
Fee Program Proposal Submitted to CMS, Approval Typically Takes Up to Nine Months
Last week, and on schedule, the state Department of Health Care Services submitted the proposed model for the next iteration of the hospital fee program to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
2025 Emergency Services Forum Takes Place May 5 in Newport Beach
What’s happening: This year’s Emergency Services Forum is happening in Newport Beach on May 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT). Attendees can expect dynamic sessions covering industry topics, insights into the evolving behavioral health landscape, an interactive Q&A forum, and more. Registration is open, and early bird pricing ends April 8.
What else to know: The forum kicks off with a keynote address by Liz Basnett, director of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), who will provide transparency on EMSA’s requirements, as well as share efforts to modernize and update regulations to meet emergency services’ increasing needs.
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.
Hospitals: Let Congress Know How Medicaid Cuts Will Impact People, Communities
What’s happening: As Congress works on a federal budget for 2026 that could result in devastating cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), it is imperative that all hospital leaders let members of Congress know directly the impact these cuts will have on the people and communities they represent. Representatives will be home in their districts from April 11-27, which is an excellent time to invite your representative to come visit their local hospital.
