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
New Law Requires Prescribers to Offer Approved Drugs for Opioid Depression
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Prescribers are now required to offer naloxone hydrochloride, or another drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, to patients who experience certain conditions related to opioid depression. The Medical Board of California has released frequently asked questions to assist providers in implementing the new requirements, which took effect Jan. 1.
Palliative Care Pilot Program Participants Required to Use New Web-Based Reporting Tool
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
In All Facilities Letter 18-57, the California Department of Public Health announces a new web-based data collection tool intended to assist providers that participate in the Palliative Care Pilot Program with annual reporting. Program participants must submit certain information using this tool by Jan. 1 of each program year. 2018 reports were due Jan. 1, 2019, but the online reporting portal will remain open through March 1.
Gov. Newsom Releases State Budget Proposal
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Yesterday, Gov. Newsom released his first proposed state budget, totaling $209 billion for 2019-20. CHA was pleased to see health care as a primary focus of the budget. Other clear priorities are early childhood development, housing and paying down debt.
CMS Increases Certain Laboratory Fees By 20 Percent
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a notice increasing fees for laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) by 20 percent.
House Reauthorizes Hospital Preparedness Program
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation (H.R. 269) that includes the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act. The measure reauthorized the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) at an increased amount, including reserving a percentage of HPP funds for the purpose of developing regional health care emergency preparedness and response systems. CHA supports the measure and is hopeful that the Senate will act soon.
Regulations Rescinded on Employer-Sponsored Wellness Programs
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has rescinded regulations — effective Jan. 1 — under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) related to the use of financial incentives in employer-sponsored wellness programs. The EEOC’s action should prompt employers to review their employer wellness programs, particularly if a program offers financial incentives.
CHA Conference Provides Strategies for Transforming to Value-Based Care
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
CHA’s Center for Post-Acute Care will host its annual conference Feb. 25-26 in Pasadena. Titled Transforming to Value-Based Care: Strategies for Hospital Success, this one-and-a-half-day conference focuses on the move from volume- to value-based payment.
Newsom Health Care Agenda Includes CHA-Supported Proposals
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Following his inauguration speech Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his health care agenda. In it, he outlined several strategies to expand health care coverage that are supported by CHA’s Board of Trustees:
Expansion of subsidies for low-income families
The establishment of an individual mandate
The provision of coverage for undocumented individuals
CHA Guidebook Explains Discharge Planning for Homeless Patients
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The California Department of Public Health has issued All Facilities Letter 19-01 reminding hospitals of the new law requiring that they try to coordinate homeless patients’ discharge to appropriate area shelters or other community-based services. To help hospitals comply with the law, CHA has developed a guidebook titled Discharge Planning for Homeless Patients.
Medicare Part A Claims to Be Held for January Release of Fiscal Intermediary Shared System
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Noridian has placed Medicare Part A claims with dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2019, on a 15-day hold while pricing files are installed into the Fiscal Intermediary Shared System. The hold will allow claims to be verified for correct pricing to ensure proper payment. All claims held during this time will be released no later than Jan. 15.
