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 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.
At Budget Subcommittee Hearing, LAO Outlines Options for the State
What’s happening: Last week, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) presented at the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health, sharing its perspective on how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will impact California. The LAO stressed the need for legislative oversight and possible policy action to minimize harm, and urged lawmakers to keep long-term system impacts and health equity at the forefront of their decision-making.
Bill Reaffirming Immigration Protections Now in Effect, CHA Issues Compliance Primer
What’s happening: A bill passed earlier this year reaffirms existing protections related to immigration enforcement action at California hospitals. CHA has released a hospital compliance primer with more details, including steps hospitals should take to demonstrate their compliance with the new law.
Department of Homeland Security Proposes Changes to Public Charge Policies
What’s happening: A proposed rule released this week by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would rescind a 2022 final rule that prevented immigration officers from denying immigrants’ applications for permanent residency if the applicant had received, or was expected to receive, certain public benefits — including most Medicaid benefits.
CHA Releases Guide to Improve Homelessness Reporting Ahead of Potential Reimbursement Changes
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now considers homelessness a “complication or comorbidity,” acknowledging the increased care resources this population requires. This acknowledgement signals potential Medicare reimbursement changes in the future.
CHA Issues Additional Comments on Regulations Limiting LVN-Provided Respiratory Care
What’s happening: CHA has submitted additional comments to the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB) regarding new regulations that restrict the tasks licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) may perform, therefore limiting hospitals’ and other care providers’ ability to meet their patients’ needs.
