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
CHA Secures Amendments to Nurse Staffing Ratio Bill, Continues Advocacy to Oppose
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
One of CHA’s highest legislative priorities this year has been Senate Bill (SB) 227 (Leyva, D-Chino), which would create duplicative and mandatory fines for hospitals if they do not meet required nurse staffing ratios. With help from member hospitals, our advocacy generated key amendments last week, including:
An exemption for hospitals that — in response to an unforeseeable and uncontrollable fluctuation — promptly make an effort to maintain staffing requirements A 50% reduction in the fines (now $15,000 for the first violation and $30,000 subsequently) A reduction in the length of time required to revert to a first violation (lowered from six years to three)
House Ways & Means Committee Passes CHA-Supported Opioid Workforce Act of 2019
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
On June 26, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee passed a measure that would increase graduate medical education slots for academic medical centers with existing pain and addiction training programs. H.R. 3414 — the Opioid Workforce Act of 2019 — is supported by CHA as it would benefit numerous academic medical centers throughout the state. It will now move to the full House for consideration.
New Data Highlight Teen Mental Health
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Health and Human Services’ Office of Adolescent Health has updated its national and state data sheets, which measure a range of adolescent health factors and behaviors. The analysis draws on large, nationally representative surveys, and measures include physical activity and nutrition, mentorship, family meals, cigarette and e-cigarette use, driving under the influence, depression systems, bullying, dating violence, and more.
Board of Registered Nursing to Host Enforcement Workshop July 8
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
On July 8 from 10-11:30 a.m. (PT), the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) will host a webinar about its enforcement program, covering:
What constitutes a violation Complaint intake and investigative processes Types of discipline that can be imposed on a licensee The intervention program and different types of probation
Questions should be directed to WebmasterBRN@dca.ca.gov.
CDPH Laboratory Field Services Changes License Delivery System
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
As of June 18, the California Department of Public Health’s Laboratory Field Services (LFS) is using a new method to deliver licenses and certificates for laboratory personnel, allowing them to download and print active licenses directly from the online system. LFS will no longer mail licenses, and licensees will no longer need to request or pay for a duplicate license.
2017-19 Hospital Fee Invoices Due July 3
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Last month, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) sent hospitals revised invoices covering the last fee-for-service (FFS) cycle of the 2017-19 Hospital Fee Program. The Cycle 10 FFS covers April 1 – June 30, 2019, and is due July 3. Hospitals will receive the corresponding FFS payment on July 22.
CMS Announces Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Appeals Settlement Options
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting requests from inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) to settle appeals that were filed for redetermination with their Medicare administrative contractor (MAC) no later than Aug. 31, 2018 — if the appeal is currently pending or eligible for further appeal at the MAC, quality improvement contractor, Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, and/or Medicare Appeals Council review level.
CHA Toolkit Helps Hospitals Alleviate Fears Related to ICE Raids
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
In the wake of recent announcements that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials will conduct raids in 10 major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, CHA reminds members that a comprehensive toolkit is available to help them reassure their communities. The toolkit’s resources emphasize that hospitals remain a safe haven for those who need care, regardless of their immigration status.
President Trump Issues Executive Order on Price Transparency
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
President Trump has issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to take a number of steps to promote price transparency and high-quality care, including a requirement that hospitals post standard charge information.
Hospital Feedback Requested on Impact of California Health Interview Survey
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
CHA encourages members to respond to an online survey about whether the California Health Interview Survey data have helped health care providers in health policymaking and planning. Conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and The California Endowment, the survey is intended to help analyze how the data are being applied to efforts aimed at improving health conditions.
