CHA Urges State to Leverage MCO Funds to Support Directed Payments, Ensure Compliance with Prop. 35 Provisions

What’s happening: Following this month’s release of the 2025-26 spending plan for managed care organization (MCO) tax proceeds generated under Proposition 35 (2024), CHA has submitted recommendations to Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Director Michelle Baass.  

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DHCS to Host Webinar on Implementation of One Big Beautiful Bill Act

What’s happening: On Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. (PT), the Department of Health Care Services will host an “all-comer” webinar to walk through its implementation plan for House Resolution (H.R.) 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will make sweeping changes to Medicaid.  

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CHA Urges Two Key Changes in CY 2027 MA Proposed Rule

What’s happening: On Jan. 26, CHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) proposed rule.  

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Update on Rural Health Transformation Program

What’s happening: Following last year’s announcement of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), CHA has been in close communication with the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), which is responsible for determining how the funds are spent and implementing proposals the federal government approves.  

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Delay in Staffing Policy Prevents Psychiatric Care Crisis

Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it would delay adopting emergency regulations for acute psychiatric hospital staffing until June 1, rather than its original deadline of Jan. 31. 

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CDPH Issues Reminder on Post-Survey Evaluations

What’s happening: Last week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released All Facilities Letter (AFL) 26-02, which reminds facilities that an online evaluation is available to help improve the post-survey process.  

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EMSA Releases Updated AB 40 Regulations; Comments Due March 4

What’s happening: The Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) has released updated Assembly Bill (AB) 40 regulations for final rulemaking related to ambulance patient offload times (APOT), with comments due on March 4. 

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Artificial Intelligence Briefing

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
10:00 – 11:00 a.m., PT

Artificial Intelligence Briefing – Feb. 24, 2026 Registration

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California Supreme Court Blocks Publication of Unfavorable Ruling for Hospitals

What’s happening:  The California Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal in Los Angeles’ (Division 5) decision to keep an unfavorable ruling for hospitals unpublished, ensuring it cannot be cited as precedent in future cases involving insurers and reimbursement for emergency services. The case involved a request from the California Association of Health Plans (CAHP) to publish an opinion in favor of United Healthcare against Prime Healthcare. 

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Learn More About Statewide Collaborative to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

What’s happening: Last month, Cal HQ — a statewide, cross-industry collaborative working to improve hospital quality through aligned action — held a preview webinar. Hospitals that are still exploring whether Cal HQ is the right fit can learn more in one of two recruitment webinars on Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. (PT) or Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. (PT)

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