The newsroom includes access to Council Connect, our twice-monthly newsletter on Hospital Council’s work. Key articles and issues of interest, along with the President’s Message, are included below.
Newsroom
Registration Open for 2026 National Access and Functional Needs Symposium
Registration is now open for this year's Access and Functional Needs Virtual Symposium, to be held July 7-8 from 9 a.m. to noon (PT). Hosted in partnership by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the International Association of Emergency Managers, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and New York University, this year’s symposium...
CHA Alert: Tell OHCA Board ‘No’ On Exorbitant Penalties That Endanger Health Care
Last week, CHA issued an alert asking members to press the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) to set a reasonable enforcement structure that gives hospitals a chance to improve before imposing penalties so severe that hospitals would have no choice but to cut services, reduce staff, or close outright.
All Eyes on November
With last week’s primary election in the rearview mirror, focus now turns to Nov. 3. While the question remains as to who will be California’s next governor, perhaps just as significant for California hospitals will be the outcomes of two key ballot initiatives. With five months to go until Election Day, we are asking all member hospitals to join two campaign coalitions today to help ensure success in November.
Section Updates for June 10, 2026
Central Valley: Local leaders — including representatives from Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria’s (D-Merced) and Sen. Anna Caballero’s (D-Fresno) offices — recently attended the opening of Madera County Public Heath’s new laboratory and clinic. The laboratory represents a significant advancement in the county’s ability to conduct population-level testing.
Keeping the Lights On
California’s wildfire season is once again underway, bringing renewed focus to hospital preparedness and operational continuity during public safety power shut-off (PSPS) events.
June 10 Webinar Will Feature Health Care Workforce Solutions
On June 10 at 9 a.m. (PT), Medical Solutions — a Hospital Council corporate associate member — will host a members-only webinar to share how flexible staffing models, float pool strategies, and emerging technologies are helping hospitals improve agility, strengthen workforce stability, and support sustainable care delivery.
State Resubmits Hospital Fee Program 9, Draft Model Available for Members
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.
Section Updates for May 27, 2026
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.
Hospital Council Board Names Rachael McKinney New Chair
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...
New Business Partner Offers Post-Hospital Support for Seniors
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.
