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 Symposium Convenes Hospital CEOs Amid Uncertainty
What’s happening: Leaders from California’s rural and critical access hospitals gathered on March 10-11 for the 40th CHA Rural Health Care Symposium.
What else to know: This year’s symposium in Sacramento saw a record attendance of about 80 CEOs and other rural hospital leaders. With major challenges looming at both the state and national levels, the event provided a forum for the CEOs to discuss essential issues and strategies for the future.
2025 Emergency Services Forum Returns to Newport Beach
What’s happening: In just over six weeks, the Emergency Services Forum returns to Newport Beach, where emergency services professionals will gather for a day of learning, discussion, and networking.
What else to know: The forum, held May 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open for registration. The deadline for booking at the discounted hotel room rate is April 14.
As Federal Budget Talks Progress, New Resources Can Help Tell Hospitals’ Stories
As Congress deliberates on stopgap measures to fund the government for 2025, the House of Representatives has passed a budget resolution for 2026 calling for $2 trillion in spending cuts, including $880 billion to come from programs overseen by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which — in addition to energy, the environment, and other issues — oversees Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).
DHCS to Submit Hospital Fee Program 9 This Month
What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will submit the Hospital Quality Assurance Fee (HQAF) program 9 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid no later than March 31. Once submitted, CHA will share a draft model for member hospitals to review that will include internal calculations to assist in their review.
What else to know: Shortly after the approved model is released, CHA will host a webinar to provide historical HQAF program context and share the changes specific to program 9. CHA News will share updates and information on program 9’s status, as well as related educational opportunities, as they become available.
Patient Safety Awareness Week: Renewing Commitment to Quality Care
What’s happening: This year’s National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which runs from March 9-15, is themed “Moving the Needle,” focusing on the importance of taking action to enhance safety for both patients and the teams that care for them.
What else to know: National Patient Safety Awareness Week is an opportunity for hospitals and health systems to renew their commitment to providing the highest quality and safest patient care.
HCAI Notice Details Information on AB 869 Seismic Compliance Delay Provisions
What’s happening: Assembly Bill (AB) 869 (2024) authorizes the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) to grant eligible general acute care hospitals a delay of up to three years beyond the Jan. 1, 2030, deadline for the seismic compliance of hospital buildings, provided that specified criteria are met.
What else to know: Policy Intent Notice (PIN) 80 outlines HCAI’s policy for implementing AB 869’s seismic compliance provisions. Hospitals requesting a delay must submit their seismic compliance plan by Jan. 1, 2026.
HCAI Hosts Upcoming Webinar on Seismic Nonstructural Performance Category Requirements
What’s happening: On March 18, the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is conducting a free webinar on seismic nonstructural performance category (NPC) requirements.
What else to know: Registration is open.
AHA Annual Survey Responses Due by May 5
What’s happening: The American Hospital Association (AHA) is asking hospitals to complete the AHA Annual Survey, which will help health care leaders, policymakers, and researchers describe and understand hospital operations.
What else to know: Last year, only 60.7% of California’s hospitals completed this survey. It is crucial that this year, information from all California hospitals is included in this critical national data set, as California has the second largest number of hospitals in the country — along with high labor costs, added regulations, seismic standards, and more. The deadline for completing the survey is May 5.
CHA Argues OHCA’s Proposed Hospital Sector ‘Strains Credibility,’ Encourages Hospitals to Weigh In
What’s happening: On March 6, CHA sent a letter to the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) calling attention to the office’s flawed, prejudicial approach to creating a hospital sector.
What else to know: Over the coming weeks, hospitals must engage at every opportunity to ensure the OHCA board understands the devastating impact its actions will have on patient care. See CHA’s March 13 alert for details.
CHA Comments on Proposed Changes to HIPAA Rule
What’s happening: On March 7, CHA submitted comments on proposed modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule.
What else to know: CHA urged the Office of Civil Rights to rescind the proposed rule and instead focus policymaking on coordinated federal efforts to prevent and deter cyberattacks in the broader health care sector.
