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
FEMA Releases Updated Policy for Public Assistance Related to COVID-19
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released an updated version of its “Coronavirus Pandemic Medical Care Eligible for Public Assistance” policy. The updated version includes a new section on allowable costs associated with COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration. It also updates the conditions of receiving funding to ensure that recipients focus the use of FEMA funding on underserved populations and high-risk communities. Finally, the policy provides details on...
CDC Grants to Public Health Departments Will Address COVID-19 Disparities; Informational Calls March 30
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced an initiative to invest $2.25 billion over two years to address COVID-19-related health disparities and advance health equity among populations that are high risk and underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural areas.
New Study Analyzes Behavioral Health Care Utilization During COVID-19 Pandemic
An analysis of insurance claims from the same periods in 2019 and 2020 found that mental health and substance use disorder inpatient admissions dropped through April 2020 — similar to decreases seen in physical health care services. However, subsequent behavioral health inpatient admissions increased through August 2020 at a much higher rate than medical services, with admission rates exceeding 2019 levels in...
HHS Updates Data Reporting Guidance
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated its guidance to hospitals on the reporting of COVID-19-related data. It includes the addition of new COVID-19 therapeutic fields and updates to the vaccination fields. Additionally, fields related to personnel protective equipment re-use and extended use are now optional.
Updates to data reporting include:
CHA Submits Pre-Regulatory Comments on No Surprises Act
CHA has submitted comments to the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury related to the implementation of the No Surprises Act.
The legislation limits patient out-of-pocket costs to the in-network amount for emergency medical care provided by out-of-network facilities and providers and in certain situations where care is delivered at an in-network facility by an out-of-network provider.
Learn About Applying for FEMA Assistance Grants During CHA Webinar
On April 1 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. (PT), CHA is joining with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) team on a webinar to help hospitals apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance grants. During this complimentary, members-only webinar, experts will cover general information regarding FEMA’s HMA grant program, including the...
CMS Publishes Clarifications on IRF-PAI, LTCH-CARE
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published Question & Answer documents for the patient assessment instruments (PAIs) used in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) and long-term care hospitals (LTCHs).
CHA Submits Comments to DHCS on Draft Enhanced Care Management and In-Lieu-of-Services Requirements
CHA has submitted comments to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on the draft Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and In-Lieu-of-Services (ILOS) requirements.
CDPH Issues Reminder About Vaccine Eligibility and Clarifications
On March 16, the California Department of Public Health issued a reminder to local health jurisdictions and vaccine providers about vaccine eligibility, eligibility changes, and clarifications.
Biden Administration Announces Grants for Health Departments to Address COVID-19 Disparities
On March 17, the Biden administration announced the availability of $2.5 billion in grant funding to address COVID-19 health disparities and advance health equity among high-risk and underserved populations.
