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
Updates for the Week of Aug. 19
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released the following information:
Provider Claims Must Include Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers by End of Year CMS Listening Session on Potential Changes to Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, Sept. 19 CMS Posts Presentation from IRF Appeals Settlement Initiative Call
Hospitals Encouraged to Complete AHA Survey on Plan Denials and Network Adequacy
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Last week, the American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a survey to all community hospitals — both AHA members and non-members — requesting information on private plan utilization management practices and network adequacy. CHA worked with AHA to develop the survey questions and encourages members to respond by the Aug. 30 deadline.
CMS Establishes Claims Processing Requirements for Appropriate Use Criteria Program
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently instructed Medicare Administrative Contractors to accept modifier codes for appropriate use criteria (AUC) on Medicare claims for advanced diagnostic imaging services beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
CDC Updates Tuberculosis Screening Recommendations for Health Care Personnel
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
In All Facilities Letter (AFL) 19-28, the California Department of Public Health has announced a nationwide shortage of the tuberculin skin test antigen Aplisol, as well as new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for tuberculosis screening of health care personnel. The notice also reminds providers that an approved program flexibility is required if a facility deviates from tuberculosis screening requirements.
Stakeholder Meeting Aug. 30 Will Discuss Clinical Laboratory, Pharmaceutical, Dietetic Services Regulations
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Center for Health Care Quality will host a meeting Aug. 30 from 2-3:30 p.m. to gather stakeholder feedback on acute care hospital clinical laboratory, pharmaceutical, and dietetic services regulations.
CHA DataSuite Analyses Released: Home Health CY 2020 Proposed Rule, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility FFY 2020 Final Rule
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
CHA DataSuite has issued two hospital-specific analyses, one detailing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) calendar year 2020 Medicare home health prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule, and the other detailing federal fiscal year 2020 Medicare inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) PPS final rule.
CHA Advocates for Health Care Professionals at Lobby Day in Sacramento
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
CHA joined a broad coalition of organizations in a Lobby Day at the State Capitol Aug. 20, advocating on behalf of health care professionals who would be affected by Assembly Bill (AB) 5 (Gonzalez, D-San Diego).
Free Member Forum to Explain ‘Public Charge’ Final Rule
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Trump administration’s “public charge” final rule could significantly impact hospitals’ relationships with patients and the communities they serve. To help hospital staff better understand the rule, CHA will hold a members-only forum, “Public Charge Final Rule: How to Communicate with Patients,” Sept. 12 from 1-3 p.m. (PT).
The webinar will:
Mental Health Resources Available for Families of First Responders
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Substances Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a series of fact sheets for the families of first responders, intended to help them understand and cope with the potential mental health issues that emergency personnel may face, and to help children understand their parents’ role at work.
CHA Issues Summary of CY 2020 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
CHA has issued a two-part summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule updating the Medicare physician fee schedule, quality payment program, and other Medicare Part B payment policies for calendar year 2020. Comments on the proposed rule are due Sept. 27.
