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
Statewide COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Expired Dec. 31; Many Local Ordinances Continue
California’s COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) officially expired on Dec. 31. The labor commissioner’s website notes “that workers taking SPSL as of December 31, 2020, may continue to take the leave they are currently on even if the entitlement extends past December 31, 2020. For example, an employee who exhibited symptoms and was recommended to isolate on December 28, 2020, may continue to utilize the SPSL they would be entitled to even if that isolation is required to extend into 2021, and be paid for the time according to the requirements of the SPSL law.”
CMS Approves One-Year Extension of Medi-Cal 2020 Waiver
On Dec. 29, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a one-year extension of the Medi-Cal 2020 Section 1115 demonstration, through Dec. 31, 2021.
OMB Releases Audit Compliance Supplement for COVID-19 Funding
The federal Office of Management and Budget has released an anticipated compliance supplement related to COVID-19 funding for providers subject to single audit requirements.
Application Deadline for Mental Health Wellness Grant Program Is Jan. 29
The California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) reminds potential applicants that the deadline to apply for the Investment in Mental Health Wellness Grant Program for Children and Youth (Children and Youth Program) second funding round is 5 p.m. (PT) on Jan. 29.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Price Transparency Requirements
On Dec. 29, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against a challenge brought by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) hospital price transparency final rule. As a result, the requirements became effective on Jan. 1.
FAQs Help Hospitals With Implementation of New PPE Stockpile Law
With California’s general acute care hospital personal protective equipment stockpile bill — Assembly Bill 2537 –taking effect on January 1, 2021, CHA has developed these frequently asked questions to assist hospitals with implementation. There remains much ambiguity with this law; CHA will continue to provide updates as they develop.
2021 Virtual Volunteer Leadership Conference
The California Hospital Volunteer Leadership Network is hosting a virtual conference Feb. 16-17, 2021. The annual California Hospital Volunteer Leadership Conference will offer general and concurrent sessions, as well as pre-recorded sessions with live Q&A. More details will be available in the coming weeks as the conference committee diligently continues planning the event. Volunteers and paid staff who manage volunteer programs are encouraged to participate.
We’re Not There Yet, But We’re Getting Closer
Are we there yet?
It’s a question we have all heard that usually indicates the trip has been way too long. We can certainly say that about this past year!! It has been filled with stops and starts, bumps and potholes, and some very sharp twists and turns that have made us all a little nervous and fearful. It has even stopped us in our tracks a few times.
CMS to Begin Monitoring Compliance with Price Transparency Requirements in January
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it plans to conduct an audit sample of hospitals’ compliance with the hospital price transparency requirements beginning in January.
Congress Set to Pass Year-End Legislation That Includes COVID-19 Relief
The House and Senate leadership reached an agreement Monday on a year-end legislative package that extends funding for the federal government through the end of the federal fiscal year (FY), provides additional relief for small business, workers and health care providers suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and addresses the issue of surprise medical bills.