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
DIR Releases Updated Draft Plume Rules; Comments Due Sept. 21
What’s happening: On Aug. 17, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) released revisions to the discussion draft for occupational exposure to surgical smoke (plume) in health care. The comment period ends on Sept. 21.
Final Rural Health Transformation Grant Closes Monday
What’s happening: Applications for the California Rural Health Transformation program’s final grant funding opportunity — Workforce Development Recruitment and Retention — are closing on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. (PT).
CHA Emphasizes Provider Perspectives at Latest Future of Medi-Cal Commission Advisory Group Meeting
What’s happening: The California Health Care Foundation’s Future of Medi-Cal Commission Advisory Group met last week, with discussion focused on implementing reforms well, strengthening accountability, simplifying Medi-Cal while protecting core benefits, and using data and technology to improve the member experience.
State Taking Steps to Hold Commercial Insurers Accountable
There is positive movement on new state regulations and standards to strengthen oversight of commercial insurance companies and compel them to provide the health care services people need. This comes after years of continuous CHA advocacy with the Department of Managed Health Care, calling attention to the practices of many profit-minded insurance companies that were neglecting the needs of Californians.
In Approving Penalty Structure, OHCA Jeopardizes Patient Care
What’s happening: After the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) board voted yesterday to approve astronomical financial penalties against hospitals it deems non-compliant with its caps on spending growth, CHA immediately issued a media statement reiterating hospitals’ strident opposition and highlighting new research showing the unintended consequences of similar efforts in other states.
Dozens of Lawmakers Sign Letter Pressing OHCA to Explain Its Work
What’s happening: This week, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) submitted to the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) a letter, cosigned by 25 other lawmakers, that asks pointed questions about OHCA’s work to date – in particular, how its efforts to control affordability will preserve access to care.
DHCS Updates DSH Replacement Payment Timing
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services has updated the disproportionate share hospital (DSH) replacement payment spreadsheets and timelines.
CMS Issues Guidance for CAHs on Evaluating Rural/Distance Compliance
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued updated guidance — effective Sept. 20 — on its procedures for evaluating critical access hospital (CAH) compliance with rural and distance requirements.
CHA Urges Stronger Oversight of Health Plan Downcoding Practices
What’s happening: CHA has submitted comments to the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) on a draft All Plan Letter with proposed guidance aimed at increasing oversight and transparency of health plan downcoding practices.
Aug. 26 Is Best Chance to Urge OHCA to Revise Penalty Structure
What’s happening: The Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) board meets next week, with votes agendized on the scope, range, and justification factors for both spending target penalties and procedural penalties. Hospitals must push back on the unprecedented penalties OHCA has proposed; see CHA's alert for guidance and resources.
