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
Hospitals Should Plan to Attend MCP Value-Based Payment Contracting Conference
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is hosting hospitals and Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) for a Value-Based Payment (VBP) Contracting Conference on Oct. 15 in Sacramento.
Learn About Earthquake Early Warning System During Cal OES Webinar
What’s happening: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) will host webinars on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. (PT) and Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. (PT) so hospitals can learn more about the Earthquake Early Warning System.
EMSA Relaunches Audit Tool
What’s happening: Amendments to Chapter 1.2 Delivering Equitable and Person-Centered Care - Ambulance Patient Offload Time were approved by the Office of Administrative Law and took effect on July 23. In addition, the audit tool was relaunched on Sept. 1.
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.
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.

