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
DHCS Requests Feedback on Access Assessment Report
The Department of Health Care Services has issued a draft report on primary, core specialty, and facility access to care for managed care beneficiaries, and requests stakeholder feedback by Aug. 19.
CHA Issues Summary of Proposed Rule on Mandatory Specialty Care Payment Models
CHA has issued a summary — prepared by Health Policy Alternatives — of the proposed rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would establish two new mandatory payment models: the Radiation Oncology Model (RO model) and the End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices Model.
CHA Comments on DHCS Draft Proposal on Value-Based Payments for Behavioral Health Integration
CHA has submitted comments to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on its draft proposal for value-based payments for behavioral health integration. In the letter, CHA applauds DHCS for recognizing the need to integrate primary and behavioral health services, and for taking steps to improve the health and wellness of those living with behavioral health challenges.
Assembly to Vote on Bill Clarifying Deadline for Anti-Harassment Training
Earlier this month, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 778 (Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement), which would extend the deadline for providing sexual harassment prevention training to Dec. 31, 2020. The bill is now pending on the Assembly Floor and should be heard when the Legislature returns the week of Aug. 12.
Homeless Patients
California has an estimated 134,000 homeless individuals — more than any other state in the nation. Hospitals are on the front lines of this crisis, employing comprehensive strategies to address homeless patients’ complex needs and safely discharge them. CHA has created a number of videos to showcase hospitals engaged in this work.
Cal/OSHA Adopts Emergency Regulations on Wildfire Smoke Exposure
Last week, the Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved an emergency regulation aimed at protecting outdoor workers from the effects of wildfire smoke. The regulation is pending with the Office of Administrative Law and is expected to be approved and take effect in early August.
HQI to Host July 25 Webinar on Strategies for Hospital-Based Maternal Mental Health
On July 25 from 10-11 a.m. (PT), the Hospital Quality Institute will host a free webinar to address upcoming maternal mental health education requirements for hospitals. Under Assembly Bill 3032 (Chapter 773, Statutes of 2018) — the Maternal Mental Health Conditions Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act — hospitals must educate employees who are regularly assigned to perinatal units about maternal mental health conditions.
Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Interdisciplinary Teams for Certain SNF Patients
The California Court of Appeal for the First Appellate District yesterday upheld the state law permitting skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) to use an interdisciplinary team to make medical decisions for patients who lack decision-making capacity and have no friends or family members to make those decisions. CHA filed an amicus brief in this case and is pleased the court agreed with our position.
Covered California Releases Regional Data Behind Record-Low 0.8% Rate Change for the Individual Market in 2020
Covered California attributes its record-low rate change for 2020 to new state affordability initiatives designed to lower costs and encourage enrollment, according to a press release issued last week. A booklet of plans and rates for 2020 is available here.
CHA Board Holds July Meeting
The CHA Board of Trustees met July 18-19, continuing an important dialogue about health care affordability. The board discussed the need for hospitals to lead affordability discussions, connect the right stakeholders, and identify holistic solutions that bring down the cost of care, keeping the needs of patients at top of mind and not simply reducing reimbursement.

