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
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.
GroupOne Background Screening Offers Faster, Safer Hiring
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.
Senate Resolution Highlights Hospitals’ Importance in Their Communities
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.
Section Updates for May 13, 2026
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.
Hospital Council Board Sets Tone for Summer Advocacy
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.
