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
As Federal Shutdown Looms, CHA Elevates Hospital Priorities
As federal lawmakers scramble to pass a funding measure that would avert a government shutdown when the current spending plan expires Sept. 30, several key issues affecting hospitals are in play.
Transformation Program Application Open, Hospital Participation Crucial
What’s happening: This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opened the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application process. States must submit their applications for a share of the program’s $50 billion by Nov. 5. CMS will announce awardees by Dec. 31.
HCAI Releases New Advisory Guide on Sterile Compounding Pharmacies
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI’s) new Advisory Guide on Sterile Compounding Pharmacies provides hospitals and health facilities with the California Code of Regulations Title 24 codes and standards most relevant to pharmacies’ sterile compounding areas.
DHCS to Solicit Feedback on CalAIM Managed Long-Term Services and Supports, Duals Integration at Sept. 24 Workgroup
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will convene the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) and Duals Integration Workgroup on Sept. 24 from noon to 2 p.m. (PT).
CHA Urges CMS to Increase OPPS Payment Update, Rescind Harmful Proposals
What’s happening: On Sept. 15, CHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year 2026 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule.
CDPH Seeks Input on Psychotherapeutic Drug Use Informed Consent Form
What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued All Facilities Letter 25-25 to notify skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) and other interested stakeholders of an upcoming meeting on its draft Consent Form for Psychotherapeutic Drug Use.
Hospitals Implementing Federal Outpatient Therapy Changes Should Request Program Flex
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) calendar year (CY) 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule provides increased flexibility for hospital outpatient therapy services, but this flexibility does not align with certain requirements in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
AB 1204 Equity Reports Due Sept. 30, HCAI Resources Available
What’s happening: The first Hospital Equity Measures Report submission is due Sept. 30, but hospitals may request an extension to Nov. 29.
Transformation Program Stakeholder Survey Due Tomorrow
What’s happening: Hospitals and rural health partners should make every effort to complete the Department of Health Care Access and Information’s (HCAI’s) survey on the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) — a $50 billion fund enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — before tomorrow’s deadline.
Hospitals Should Increase Participation in APOT Audit Tool
What’s happening: To increase data confidence and reliability, more hospitals must register for the Emergency Medical Services Authority’s (EMSA’s) “APOT Audit Tool” and begin conducting monthly audits. To be compliant with Assembly Bill (AB) 40 requirements, hospitals must also submit their APOT reduction protocols to EMSA.
