What’s happening: The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s (MedPAC’s) June 2025 Report to the Congress: Medicare and the Health Care Delivery System, released June 12, covers improvements to Medicare payment systems, issues affecting the Medicare program, and changes to both health care delivery and the market for health care services.
Local public health departments, local emergency medical services agencies (LEMSA) and the Department of Homeland Security, are all working together to test readiness for various scenarios. Hospitals should participate in the planning for these events as well as working with the Hazard Vulnerability Analysis for each hospital to coordinate community participation with the specific needs of the hospital.
What’s happening: CHA DataSuite released four hospital-specific analyses intended to provide hospitals with a preview of impacts and trends related to various programs.
On Monday, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released legislative language for its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a budget bill that would overhaul the nation’s tax structure, in large part through expansive cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).
Many hospitals used to develop specific plans for a variety of disaster and emergency situations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) now requires that hospitals use an emergency management system that is comprehensive, risk based, and all-hazard in nature.
What’s happening: The CHA Amicus Activity Tracker has been updated to include 10 new amicus filings in 2025 and late 2024, as well as the outcome of CHA’s amicus efforts in previously reported cases.
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
This resource highlights considerations in planning for food and water supplies to support patients, staff, and community members during disasters. Key elements include performing a hazard vulnerability analysis, ensuring compliance with CMS requirements, establishing protocols for subsistence, and creating adaptable menus. The poster also emphasizes regulatory compliance and practical considerations, like backup power, sanitation, and the ability to prepare food without utilities.
Hospitals play a critical role in safeguarding the health and safety of all individuals during disaster events, particularly those from vulnerable populations. These groups—such as the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and non-English speakers—often face unique challenges during crises, making tailored disaster planning essential.
The Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management website offers a comprehensive, user-friendly, web-based resource that is also downloadable in advance, so that it would be available during an event if the internet is not accessible.
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What special federal waivers are available specific for skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs)?
Federal legislative and regulatory action has included several important provisions affecting SNFs. As the crisis continues and additional areas emerge, additional waivers may be forthcoming.
CARES Act: On March 26, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes measures of particular importance to hospitals, including SNFs.