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 Questions for Meeting on Hospital Infection Control, Physical Plant Regulations
In preparation for an upcoming meeting to solicit stakeholder feedback on possible changes to Title 22 infection control and physical plant regulations for general acute care hospitals, the California Department of Public Health has released a series of questions. More details are available in All Facilities Letter 18-56.1.
Grant Applications Available for Programs That Strengthen Health Care Delivery
Nonprofit organizations and counties that participate in the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) are encouraged to apply for funding through the Health Systems Development Grant Program.
New Law Addresses Voluntary Psychiatric Care in Emergency Departments
The California Department of Public Health reminds general acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals that, effective Jan. 1, they may not require, as a condition of admission, a person who voluntarily seeks care to be placed on an involuntary hold under Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
Hospital Fee Program Webinar Set for Feb. 21
A CHA members-only webinar on Feb. 21 from 9:30- 11 a.m. will provide information on recent changes to how Medi-Cal managed care plans can make supplemental payments through the Hospital Fee Program.
CDPH Meeting to Focus on Hospital Infection Control and Physical Plant Regulations
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will host a stakeholder meeting on Jan. 22 from 2-3:30 p.m. in Sacramento to solicit hospitals’ feedback on updating infection control and physical plant regulations.
Providers Alerted About Resistant Infections in Patients Receiving Surgery Abroad
A travel alert recently issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notifies providers of recent cases of surgical site infections in U.S. residents who underwent invasive medical procedures in Tijuana, Mexico.
EMSA Seeks Comments on Statewide Trauma System Triage and Transfer Resource Guide
The Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) is in the process of updating its Statewide Trauma System Triage and Transfer Resource Guide. The draft guide incorporates feedback from a previous comment period in 2017. Due to the time elapsed since then, EMSA has offered another comment period.
Additional FAQs Issued on New State Law for Opioid Prescriptions
Last week, CHA shared information about problems some providers have had in implementing a new state law requiring controlled substance security prescription forms to include a unique serial number. This week, the California Board of Pharmacy released updated frequently asked questions about the law’s requirements and enforcement.
CHA Comments on CMS’ Proposed Managed Care Rule
CHA submitted the attached comment letter responding to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed rule that would change managed care regulations for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). While most of the rule’s proposals are technical adjustments or changes that have little impact on the Medi-Cal managed care program, some could impact the managed care portion of the Hospital Fee Program.
Providers Report Problems Implementing New State Law for Opioid Prescriptions
As of Jan. 1, controlled substance security prescription forms must include a new, unique serial number in a format approved by the Department of Justice. However, the new requirement does not allow for a transition period during which providers would be allowed to use the previously approved form, and those who do not have access to the new forms have been forced to choose between denying care and risking action against their licenses.