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
Complementary Seismic Signage Template Can Help Provide Context
What’s happening: CHA has created a signage template for you to consider posting alongside required seismic signage resulting from the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 1882.
What else to know: The deadline for compliance with AB 1882 posting requirements is Jan. 1, 2024. This template offers an opportunity for hospitals to emphasize their commitment to — and progress on — employee, patient, and visitor safety.
Draft Policies Available for Public Comment on California Data Exchange Framework
What’s Happening: Draft policies for the California Data Exchange Framework (DxF) have been released by the California Health and Human Services Agency’s Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) and are open for public comment.
What Else to Know: Comments are due to CDII by Dec. 18 for the participant directory policy and by Dec. 21 for the fees policy.
CHA Shares Information for Hospitals on Winter Surge Program Flexibility
What’s Happening: Hospitals are preparing for patient surges due to the increase of respiratory infections this winter and may need to request flexibility from licensing regulations.
What Else to Know: There are important things for hospitals to keep in mind when sending program flexibility applications to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
FDA Must Consider Alternatives to Laboratory Developed Test Proposals
What’s Happening: CHA submitted comments to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on proposed regulation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs).
What Else to Know: The proposed rule would have significant unintended consequences for the delivery of medical laboratory services and would raise costs to the overall health care system.
Tell Congress to Vote No on Site-Neutral Payment Cuts
What’s Happening: The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378), which includes harmful Medicare site-neutral payment cuts as soon as Dec. 11.
What Else to Know: CHA asks members to call or email your U.S. representative and urge them to vote no.
CHA Seeks Greater Transparency in OHCA Data Collection Process
What’s happening: On Dec. 1, CHA submitted a comment letter on the Office of Health Care Affordability’s (OHCA) total health care expenditure draft regulations.
What else to know: These regulations will determine how health spending is attributed to providers and who will be accountable under the statewide spending target.
OHCA Releases Rules on Cost and Market Impact Review Process
What’s happening: On Nov. 28, the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) released a revised version of the cost and market impact review regulations, alongside an accompanying notice.
What else to know: The final regulations are expected to be effective on Jan. 1, 2024, for transactions intended to be completed on or after April 1, 2024. Stakeholders will have five days to comment on the regulations once officially filed.
FAQs Help Determine Appropriate Independent Dispute Resolution Batching
What’s Happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued two FAQs explaining appropriate batching for disputes in the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process.
What Else to Know: The FAQs are in response to the district court’s opinions and orders in TMA III and TMA IV.
New Charity Care Regulations Require Revised Hospital Policies and Procedures
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) has finalized new regulations, effective Jan. 1, 2024, about hospital charity and discount care policies and practices.
What else to know: Based on CHA’s advocacy, HCAI amended the proposed regulations, providing hospitals more time to respond to patient complaints and reducing penalties.
