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
OSHPD Clarifies Emergency Work Authorization Process
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information’s Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) has released a policy intent notice outlining its plans to standardize emergency work authorizations.
IRF Review Choice Demonstration to begin in CA in 2026
What is happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it will be expanding the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Services to California, beginning May 1, 2026.
CMS Updates Hospital Surveyor Guidance to Address Discharge Planning, Notification Requirements, and More
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised Appendix A of the State Operations Manual to include new interpretive guidelines and survey processes.
CMS Proposes Changes to MA and Part D Star Ratings for Contract Year 2027
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the contract year 2027 proposed rule for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans.
Register Now for Dec. 16 Webinar on New Quality Initiative
What’s happening: On Tuesday, the California Alignment for Hospital Quality (Cal HQ) will hold an informational session about the new collaborative’s work. Registration is required.
CHA Issues Summary of CY 2026 OPPS Final Rule
What’s happening: A detailed summary of the finalized provisions of the calendar year (CY) 2026 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) final rule is available for members.
Eyes on CMS as Fee Program Negotiations Continue
As California hospitals continue to face strong financial headwinds — soaring inflation, the pending effects of nearly $1 trillion in nationwide federal health care cuts, increased regulatory pressures, and more — all eyes are on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where California’s submission for the next Hospital Fee Program is currently under review.
CARB Updates Deadlines, Provides Additional Clarity Around Reporting Requirements
What’s happening: At a workshop last month, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) offered important clarifications on upcoming climate change reporting regulations — including that not-for-profit entities will not recommended as “covered entities.”
DHCS Requests Comments on Plan Policies for SNF, Subacute Authorization and Payment by Friday
What is happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is requesting feedback by Dec. 5 on draft all plan letters addressing updated policies for Medi-Cal managed care plan (MCP) coverage of skilled-nursing, subacute care , and intermediate care facility services.
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.
