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 Finds Increase in Alcohol-Related ED Visits
What’s happening: Alcohol-related emergency department (ED) visits and admissions have increased steadily over recent years, from roughly 603,000 in 2020 to more than 636,000 in 2023, according to recent findings from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).
FFY 2026 Medicare Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Final Rule Impact Analysis Now Available
What’s happening: DataSuite’s hospital-specific analysis of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 Medicare inpatient psychiatric facility (IPF) prospective payment system (PPS) final rule shows providers how Medicare fee-for-service payments may change from FFY 2025 to FFY 2026 based on the policies in the final rule.
DHCS Shares Additional Information for Beneficiaries on Upcoming Medi-Cal Changes
What’s happening: Last month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released a Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter that includes an FAQ document on upcoming changes to Medi-Cal coverage for Californians without satisfactory immigration status, along with a letter that will be sent to impacted Californians in November.
Comments on Hospital Fair Billing Program Proposed Regulations Due Nov. 3
What’s happening: Comments on the Hospital Fair Billing Program’s proposed regulations to strengthen and streamline existing language are due Nov. 3. The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) expects to implement the regulations in April 2026.
CHA Files Opening Brief in Anthem Lawsuit Appeal
What’s happening: CHA’s efforts to hold Anthem Blue Cross accountable for violating California’s patient protection laws took an important step forward this week: CHA filed its opening brief appealing a February ruling in which Judge Kenneth Freeman decided to abstain.
Shutdown Breakdown
As the clock struck midnight Wednesday, funding for the federal government expired, triggering a shutdown of many services and agencies while those deemed “mandatory” continue to operate.
State Agencies Respond to New Law Protecting Access to Vaccines in California
What’s happening: Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 144, which aims to protect access to vaccines in California.
Webinar Will Discuss How Rural Hospitals Can Achieve Seismic Compliance
What’s happening: On Oct. 9 from 10-11:30 a.m. (PT), CHA will host a members-only webinar highlighting one rural hospital’s work to achieve seismic compliance through collaboration with the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) and architectural designers.
Court Finds CDPH Incorrectly Interpreted Breach Penalty Law, Upholds Win for Hospitals
What’s happening: On Sept. 23, the Third District Court of Appeal upheld a trial court’s ruling that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) must prove a hospital’s or other health facility’s administrative, physical, or technological safeguards were inadequate before imposing a penalty — a decision with statewide implications for health privacy enforcement.
Guidance on Responsible Use of AI in Health Care Now Available
What’s happening: The Joint Commission and the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), an alliance of health systems and technology companies, recently released guidance on The Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare.
