The newsroom includes access to CHA News, which provides timely information to members every Monday and 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
Supreme Court Rejects Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital Cuts
The Supreme Court ruled this week that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) violated the Medicare Act when, in 2014, it changed the calculation for payments to disproportionate share hospitals (DSH). The 7-1 court ruling could affect billions of dollars in Medicare payments to safety net hospitals.
CHA Issues Summary of IPPS Proposed Rule
CHA has issued a summary of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2020 inpatient prospective payment system proposed rule (IPPS) and will host a member forum June 11 at 10 a.m. (PT). During the call, CHA will provide a brief overview of key provisions in the proposed rule and solicit member feedback to inform our comments — specifically on the proposed changes to the area wage index and Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments.
CMS Issues Final PACE Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule revising and updating requirements for Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to individuals who qualify for nursing home care but can still live safely in the community.
CHA Submits Comment Letters on Interoperability and Information Blocking Proposed Rules
CHA has submitted comment letters in response to two proposed rules — one from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the other from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) — intended to improve the interoperability of health information. CHA has also prepared a letter template that members can use to support CHA’s policy positions with hospital-specific examples. CHA urges members to use the letters in drafting their own comments, which are due by 2 p.m. (PT) June 3.
CHA Comments on Draft Surprise Billing Legislation Released by House Energy & Commerce Committee
Congress continues to focus on the issue of surprise billing with several bipartisan bills and proposals put forth by key members of Congress. Last week, House Energy & Commerce leaders Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Greg Walden (R-OR) released draft legislation, on which CHA submitted comments earlier this week.
CHA Campaign Advances Solutions for California’s Health Care Workforce Shortages
In an effort to reinforce to lawmakers the need to address California’s severe health care workforce shortages, CHA just completed a month-long social media campaign to position hospitals’ leadership role in developing the current and future health workforce. Developed as a catalyst for more funding and enactment of key policy recommendations ahead of the state budget deadline in June, the campaign included an opinion editorial issued jointly with the California Primary Care Association, a video produced in collaboration with Sharp HealthCare, and an issue brief developed specifically for state legislators.
Poster Presentations Solicited for 2019 HQI Annual Conference
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is seeking submissions for poster presentations at its 2019 Annual Conference, to be held in Sacramento Oct. 14 and 15. Successful posters will demonstrate improvements in quality, patient safety and/or person-centered care. Accepted posters qualify the presenter for a 20% discount on conference registration.
CHA DataSuite Issues 2020 Skilled-Nursing Facility Proposed Rule Analysis
CHA DataSuite has released hospital-specific analyses of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2020 Medicare skilled-nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule, intended to show providers how Medicare fee-for-service payments may change from FFY 2019 to FFY 2020 based on the policies set forth in the final rule.
DHCS Invites Hospitals to Participate in Medical Interpretation Services Survey
Tthe California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is conducting a study — as required by Assembly Bill 635 (Chapter 600, Statutes of 2016) — to identify current requirements for medical interpretation services. The findings will inform the department’s recommendations for future strategies related to medical interpretation services for Medi-Cal members with limited English proficiency.
PG&E Expands, Enhances Wildfire Safety Efforts
Given the continued and growing threat of extreme weather, and as an additional precautionary measure following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, PG&E is enhancing and expanding its Community Wildfire Safety Program to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep customers and communities safe.
