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
CHA Joins Grassroots Movement to Build Trust in COVID-19 Vaccines
CHA, the Hospital Association of Southern California, the Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and the Hospital Council — Northern & Central California have joined the California Medical Association’s grassroots efforts to help build trust in the COVID-19 vaccines.
The #ThisIsOurShot campaign seeks to use evidence-based messaging to elevate the voices of health care heroes as trusted messengers through stories, photos, and videos. Front-line health care workers are encouraged to tell their stories and share their personal COVID-19 vaccine experiences with the network.
The Joint Commission to Begin Unannounced Surveys on March 15
The Joint Commission (TJC) is planning to resume unannounced surveys on March 15.
For the past few months, given the COVID-19 pandemic, TJC account executives have reached out to providers to determine their readiness for survey prior to arriving. Given the decreasing incidence and caseloads of COVID-19, they will be returning to their pre-pandemic procedures.
CHA Sends Letter to State on Preparations in the Event of Another Surge
On Feb. 26, CHA sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly on surge preparations, seeking to continue to partner, assess lessons learned, and resolve unfinished business that must be addressed in the event of another surge.
Specifically, the letter makes five recommendations:
Webinar Will Detail No Surprises Act and What It Means for Hospitals
On March 24 from 11 a.m. to noon (PT), CHA will host a members-only webinar explaining the No Surprises Act, which prohibits patients from getting surprise bills in certain out-of-network situations.
Chad Mulvany, CHA vice president, federal policy, will lead the discussion on the act, which was signed into law last year as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and addresses surprise medical billing for federally regulated plans and in states without surprise billing laws.
Transition Continues to Blue Shield Vaccinator Network
As previously announced, the state of California has contracted with Blue Shield of California to create a statewide network of COVID-19 vaccine providers.
A hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or other entity that wishes to administer COVID-19 vaccines after March 31 must sign an agreement with Blue Shield. The contract, which Blue Shield states is now final, requires vaccine providers to:
House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Telehealth
On March 2, the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a virtual hearing on The Future of Telehealth: How COVID-19 is Changing the Delivery of Virtual Care. The subcommittee is chaired by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-18) with Reps. Matsui (CA-6), Cardenas (CA-29), Ruiz (CA-36) and Barragan (CA-44) among its members.
CMS Provides Training for Falls Assessment in Post-Acute Care Settings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has developed a web-based training program for the standardized patient assessment data elements related to falls.
U.S. House Advances COVID-19 Bill
On Feb. 27, the House of Representatives passed a modified version of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319), a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that focuses on vaccines, testing, and public health, while also providing assistance to individuals and families, among other provisions. The Senate will consider the bill this week and is expected to further modify the legislation.
Key health care provisions include:
OSHPD Establishes Commission, Developing Processes for Hospital Supplier Diversity Reports
On March 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (PT), the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) will hold the first meeting of its Hospital Diversity Commission, which is comprised of representatives from health care, procurement, and other stakeholders.