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
HCAI Seeks Feedback on AB 1204 Technical Assistance by March 31
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) recently released a survey to the hospital field to ascertain hospitals’ needs in complying with Assembly Bill (AB) 1204 (2021), which requires that they submit annual health equity data reports. The first report is due Sept. 30.
What else to know: The survey will help HCAI identify areas where additional technical assistance will be needed. Responses to the survey are due by March 31.
DHCS Releases Private Hospital-Directed Payment Encounter Files
What’s happening: On March 14, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) uploaded three new hospital-directed payment encounter files, available via the Secure File Transfer Protocol site, that hospitals must download as soon as possible — they will be deleted within 45 days of the upload date.
In-Person LEAD Academy in Sonoma Begins May 6
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on April 1 at 9:35 a.m. to reflect that the In-Person LEAD Academy dates have shifted.
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 — is being held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT) on six Tuesdays from May 6 to July 29 (previous dates were April 8 to June 24). Registration is open.
What else to know: During this year’s academy at Sonoma Valley Hospital, attendees will gain concrete skills in understanding themselves and others, navigating staff dynamics, and driving performance. They will also learn strategies for communicating clearly, resolving conflict, coaching staff, and building a strong team in a high-pressure hospital setting.
New CHCF Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Medi-Cal Across All Parties
What’s happening: On March 3, the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) released a statewide poll that assesses attitudes about Medi-Cal and Covered California, and possible reductions to federal funding for both programs.
Upcoming HCAI Webinar Covers Nonstructural Performance Category 5 Water Rationing Plan
What’s happening: On March 27, the Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI’s) Seismic Compliance Unit is holding a webinar from 9-10 a.m. (PT) on the requirement for the nonstructural performance category (NPC) 5 water rationing plan, which would support 72 hours of emergency operations.
Upcoming Webinar Discusses New CDPH Hospital Bed Tracking System
What’s happening: Using the system developed by the Hospital Association of Oregon, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has launched implementation of a statewide, real-time bed tracking system: the Hospital Bed and Emergency Medical Services System (HBEDS).
What else to know: On April 3, CHA is hosting a members-only webinar to share CDPH’s goals for HBEDS and how it works. Registration is open for CHA members.
MedPAC Issues Report to Congress with Payment Recommendations
What’s happening: On March 13, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) released its report to Congress that includes fiscal year 2026 payment recommendations for hospitals and other Medicare fee-for-service payment systems.
What else to know: In the report, MedPAC urges Congress to update the base payment rate for hospitals by current law plus 1%.
Hospitals: Now Is the Time to Speak Up About the Impact of Medicaid Cuts
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. One effective method is to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper or another relevant news outlet, as did Elaine Batchlor, MD, who serves as CEO of MLK Community Healthcare in Los Angeles and as a CHA board member.
CHA Symposium Convenes Hospital CEOs Amid Uncertainty
What’s happening: Leaders from California’s rural and critical access hospitals gathered on March 10-11 for the 40th CHA Rural Health Care Symposium.
What else to know: This year’s symposium in Sacramento saw a record attendance of about 80 CEOs and other rural hospital leaders. With major challenges looming at both the state and national levels, the event provided a forum for the CEOs to discuss essential issues and strategies for the future.
2025 Emergency Services Forum Returns to Newport Beach
What’s happening: In just over six weeks, the Emergency Services Forum returns to Newport Beach, where emergency services professionals will gather for a day of learning, discussion, and networking.
What else to know: The forum, held May 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open for registration. The deadline for booking at the discounted hotel room rate is April 14.
