On May 15, the state submitted the payment policies for the next iteration of the Hospital Fee Program (Program 9) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the final piece needed for CMS to review the full application.
Central Valley: Hospital Council participated in the Central Valley Community Foundation’s Legislative Roundtable, a quarterly meeting that briefs legislators and their staffs about the state of health care in the valley. Hospital Council also joined a panel discussion in Fresno to discuss the Central Valley Health Care Landscape Analysis.
Last week, the Hospital Council board approved the appointment of Rachael McKinney, Sutter Health’s President, Greater Sacramento Division, as board chair. McKinney will assume leadership from Murali Naidu, MD, who has taken on a new opportunity outside of the hospital field. McKinney brings deep leadership experience, a strong commitment to California hospitals and communities, and a collaborative approach that reflects the values of the Hospital...
For senior patients, particularly those living alone or with another elderly spouse, discharge from a hospital can cause anxiety; the same is true for hospital care teams concerned about the patient’s ability to recover effectively without support. Comfort Keepers, a new Hospital Council associate member, offers patients a way to balance independence and support.
GroupOne Background Screening, a nationally recognized leader in health care background screening, is now a Hospital Council Corporate Associate Member.
GroupOne brings a wealth of expertise in pre- and post-employment screening solutions, including criminal background checks, drug testing, employment verification, education verifications, professional licensure verifications, and ongoing sanctions screening.
Earlier this week, the state Senate passed a resolution recognizing May 10-16, 2026, as National Hospital Week in California, honoring hospitals for their commitment to the health and well-being of Californians.
Central Valley: Hospital Council continues working with hospitals to address the findings of this year’s community health heeds assessment, with planning for the first roundtable on food insecurity now underway. Input from key community organizations including local food banks and homeless missions — will inform hospitals’ collective efforts.
The Hospital Council Board of Directors held its first in-person meeting of the year last week, setting the stage for the coming months of critically important advocacy efforts.
From county to county and coast to coast, hospital leaders know one thing to be true: Hospitals are the backbone of their communities.
Last week, the California Hospital Association (CHA) issued an alert asking members to write to the Senate and Assembly budget committee chairs in support of CHA’s request for a one-time appropriation of $300 million for the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, as well as statutory changes to advance the program. Letters should be submitted by May 1. More details and a template...
