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
Alameda County Considers Specialty Care Diversion Policy
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ALCO EMS is considering a new specialty care diversion policy modeled on existing policies in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Under such a policy, ALCO EMS could suspend a hospital’s ST-elevation myocardial infarction or stroke designation when the hospital is experiencing prolonged ambulance patient offload times (APOTs).
Providence Gifts Crucial Dollars to Behavioral Health Triage Project in Arcata
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Hospital and health care leaders recently gathered to celebrate a landmark $2 million donation from Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka to support the development of a new behavioral health triage center on the Mad River Community Hospital campus in Arcata.
Santa Clara County Health System Expands
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On April 1, the Santa Clara County Health System became the second largest health system in California when it assumed operation of Regional Medical Center (RMC). The county hired 98% of existing RMC employees, and obtained approval and redesignation of RMC’s trauma II and ST-elevation myocardial infarction services.
HQI Can Assist With Mandatory Health Equity Reporting
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is offering a service that helps hospitals prepare for mandatory health equity reporting required under Assembly Bill 1204.
Hospital Council Board Advances Key Policy and Preparedness Priorities
It is an understatement to say we are experiencing uncertain times for the health care field, hospitals, and the patients we serve — and in particular, the threat of federal and state Medicaid funding cuts and the impact they could have. That’s why the Hospital Council Board of Directors meeting, which took place on April 1 in Sacramento, was an opportunity to help strengthen our collective response and build essential relationships among hospital leaders. Mutual support and communication are needed more than ever.
Xsolis Welcomed as New Corporate Associate Member
Hospital Council welcomes Xsolis as a corporate associate member, supporting hospitals and health systems with technology, solutions, and services that enhance payer-provider partnerships to drive frictionless health care.
March 27 Webinar Will Detail New HQI Program to Support Mandatory Health Equity Reporting
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI), as part of its Hospital Quality Improvement Platform (HQIP), has released a new reporting service that includes 95% of the information hospitals are required to report by Sept. 30 under Assembly Bill 1204.
Solano County Establishes SB 43 Implementation Workgroup
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Senate Bill (SB) 43, which was signed into law in 2023, expands the definition of “gravely disabled” for the involuntary detention, treatment, or conservatorship of individuals with behavioral health conditions to include those living with severe substance use disorders. Solano County will implement the new law on Jan. 1, 2026, and has established an SB 43 workgroup that is meeting bimonthly. Solano County hospitals and Hospital Council participate in this meeting along with other stakeholders.
Hospitals Must Be Allies to Each Other
Last week, Council Thoughts focused on the need for hospitals to build key allies across community, political, and economic sectors. This week, we turn to the other half of the picture: Hospitals must also look inward for partnership in a rapidly changing health care environment. More than ever, we must be one another’s allies.
San Francisco to Open New Police-Friendly Stabilization Center
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In April, San Francisco will open a 24/7 police-friendly stabilization center at 822 Geary Street, where police officers can drop off people with urgent mental health and substance abuse needs so they can receive medical care. The goal is to keep people out of jails and emergency departments (EDs) and the city’s limited law enforcement resources on the street. With powers granted by the recently passed Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance, the city is able to expedite the center’s opening.
