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 Issues Behavioral Health Information Notice on Implementation of AB 3242
On Jan. 11, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) released Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 21-003 on the implementation of Assembly Bill (AB) 3242, which took effect on Jan. 1.
Summary Details Behavioral Health Issues in Governor’s Proposed 2021-22 Budget
CHA has issued a detailed summary, prepared by Kirsten Barlow Consulting, of behavioral health issues in the Governor’s fiscal year 2021-22 budget proposal.
CHA Issues Summary of Final Rule on Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Value-Based Purchasing Arrangements
CHA has issued a detailed summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., of the final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that makes changes to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, drug utilization review, and third-party liability regulations, and revises requirements for value-based purchasing (VBP) agreements between states and manufacturers for drugs covered by Medicaid.
CMS Announces Plans to Expand Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its intention to expand the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing model.
Updates for the Week of Jan. 11
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the following updates this week:
HRSA Notice: Geographic Eligibility for Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Grants
1/4: 2020 MIPS Performance Year Data Submission Window Opened
2/1: 2020 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Application Period Closes for COVID-19 Related Applications Only
CDPH Issues Guidance for Certain Providers That Serve PACE Programs
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued All Facilities Letter (AFL) 21-03, which exempts from CDPH licensure home health agencies (HHAs), primary care clinics (PCCs), and adult day health centers (ADHCs) that exclusively serve participants of a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE).
CDPH Issues Revised AFL on Interdisciplinary Team Decisions in SNFs
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued All Facilities Letter (AFL) 20-83.1, which clarifies previously issued guidance on the interdisciplinary team (IDT) medical decision-making process for skilled-nursing facility residents who are unable to provide informed consent and do not have a representative to make decisions on their behalf.
CMS Announces New Tool for Submission of 1135 Waiver Requests
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a new online tool to streamline the submission of 1135 waiver requests and inquiries for providers.
Small Business Administration Re-Opens Paycheck Protection Program
On Jan. 11, the Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) first draw loans from qualifying organizations that previously haven’t received them.
CHA Comments on Proposed Changes to Cost Report Form
Today, CHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its proposed changes to the CMS 2552-10 Hospital and Health Care Complex Cost Report, which is used by the agency to determine a hospital’s reasonable cost in furnishing medical services to Medicare beneficiaries and calculate the hospital reimbursement.