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
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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What
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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What
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.
New HQI Program Supports Mandatory Health Equity Reporting
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) has, as part of its Hospital Quality Improvement Platform (HQIP), released a new reporting service that includes 95% of the information hospitals are required to report by Sept. 30 under Assembly Bill 1204.
Registration Open for Patient Safety Evaluation System 2025 Virtual Summit
The Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) is hosting the Patient Safety Evaluation System 2025 Virtual Summit on May 28-29 from 8 a.m. to noon (PT). At the summit, health care professionals will learn to communicate better (internally and with patients) and improve patient care delivery. Presenters will address implementing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ […]
Allies Are Essential in Strengthening Health Care and Communities
The word “ally” is both a noun and a verb, reminding us that true partnership is not just about who we are connected to, but about our shared goals — and the actions we take to support, strengthen, and advocate for one another.
Reps. Huffman and Thompson Hold Medicare Funding Press Conference in Sonoma
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What
On March 7, Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman hosted a press conference highlighting the critical role of hospital funding in Sonoma County and beyond. Hospital Council participated, along with county supervisors, clinics, hospitals, and patients — all sharing powerful stories about the real-life impact of Medi-Cal and Medicare funding.
SB 43 Work Progresses in San Mateo, Santa Clara Counties
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What
Santa Clara County (SCC) has kicked off a workgroup to implement Senate Bill (SB) 43 (2023), which expands the definition of “gravely disabled” to include individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). In late March, the county behavioral health department will update the SCC Board of Supervisors on its plans for this effort.
