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
Rounding the First Turn in the Legislative Session
A critical deadline passed last week in the state Legislature and there’s good news: both of CHA’s sponsored bills — one that would expand and reinvest in the Distressed Hospital Loan Program and another that would cost out proposed laws — have passed out of their committees.
CHA Pushes Back on Commentary Attacking 340B Program
What’s happening: CalMatters has published a CHA counter op-ed on 340B that reinforces the program’s importance for patients and safety-net providers.
CHA Alert Reminder: Act Now to Support Distressed Hospital Loan Program
What’s happening: On Monday, CHA issued an alert reminder, asking members to write to the Senate and Assembly Budget Committee chairs and support the request for a one-time appropriation of $300 million for the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, as well as statutory changes to advance the program.
Hospital Supplier Diversity Plans Due July 1
What’s happening: Hospital Supplier Diversity Plans must be submitted to the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) by July 1 for the reporting period ending Dec. 31, 2025.
Medi-Cal Rx Claims to Require ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes Beginning This Fall
What’s happening: Starting this fall, ICD-10-CM diagnosis code(s) will be required for Medi-Cal Rx claims. This change is being made to better implement appropriate utilization management controls, including prior authorization.
DIR Releases Updated Draft Plume Rules; Comments Due June 1
What’s happening: On April 24, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) posted the latest draft regulations for occupational exposure to surgical smoke (plume) in health care. The comment period ends on June 1.
Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health Gets Update on DHLP, Rural Health Transformation Program
What’s happening: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health met this week to receive an update from the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) on the Distressed Hospital Loan Program (DHLP), as well as implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
CHA Pushes Back Against OHCA Board’s Desire to Fine Its Way to Affordability
What’s happening: Yesterday, the Office of Health Care Affordability board convened to discuss financial penalties for exceeding the spending targets, a baseline analysis of hospital spending growth between 2022 and 2023, and updates for the cost and market impact review program.
Ahead of June 1 Deadline for Psych Staffing Ratios, CDPH Accepting Program Flex Requests
What’s happening: As the June 1 deadline for free-standing acute psychiatric hospitals staffing ratios approaches, CHA is continuing conversations and advocacy with the California Health and Human Services Agency and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to urge adjustments to the department’s draft regulations.
CHA’s Coyle Receives 2026 AHA Board of Trustees Award
What’s happening: CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle was one of four retiring state hospital association executives to receive the 2026 Board of Trustees Award at the American Hospital Association’s annual meeting earlier this week.
