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
CDPH Releases Resources to Support Patient Safety Plan Submission Ahead of Jan. 1 Implementation
What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released an All Facilities Letter (AFL) reminding providers of upcoming patient safety plan requirements, passed as part of Assembly Bill (AB) 3161 in 2024.
CMS to Decrease Home Health Payments 1.3% in 2026
What’s happening: On Nov. 28, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the calendar year (CY) 2026 home health prospective payment system final rule.
New State Initiative Aims to Lower Healthcare-Associated Infections
What’s happening: Covered California, Cal Healthcare Compare, and CalPERS — with support from state agencies, health plans, hospitals, and improvement organizations — have joined forces in a new collaborative that aims to create a statewide framework for quality alignment and improvement in hospitals across California.
Hospitals Should Review and Update DHCS Contact Info by Dec. 12
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Capitated Rates Development Division is asking providers to confirm their contact info as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain accurate and up-to-date contact information.
CHA to Host 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up Webinar on Dec. 3
What’s happening: On Dec. 3 from 2:30- 4 p.m. (PT), a panel of CHA experts will cover key legislation from the 2025 session, highlight crucial deadlines, and answer members’ questions.
CHA Condemns Flawed Report as OHCA Board Returns Its Focus to Monterey Hospitals
What’s happening: The Office of Health Care Affordability’s (OHCA) board convened on Nov. 19 to discuss several items, most notably its newly released Investigative Study of Hospital Market Competition in Monterey County. CHA voiced deep concerns with the one-sided study and urged the office to course-correct to restore confidence that regulated entities will be treated fairly.
Gratitude
Year after year, on the last Thursday of November, the country takes a breath.
Disproportionate Share Hospital “Catch-Up” Payments to Be Made in Early December
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has outlined its schedule for issuing “catch-up” payments to hospitals in December, reflecting congressional action that delayed pending cuts to disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs).
CMS Issues Preliminary Guidance on Provider Taxes
What’s happening: On Nov. 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued preliminary guidance on new federal requirements for Medicaid health care-related taxes (i.e., provider taxes) included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Comments on Trauma/Specialty Care Regulations Due Next Week
What’s happening: Last week, the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) released updated critical care and specialty program regulations.
