The newsroom includes access to Council Connect, our twice-monthly newsletter on Hospital Council’s work. Media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
New Resources Available to Engage Office of Health Care Affordability
CHA released an alert earlier this month on the Office of Health Care Affordability’s staff-proposed 3% spending growth target and is sharing additional resources: Contact Ben Johnson, CHA vice president, policy, or Mark Farouk, CHA vice president, state relations, with any questions.
PHC Holds Symposium on Rural Maternity Care
Who What Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) held a one-day symposium on Feb. 12 about the lack of maternity services in rural areas and the threat of additional closures. Hospitals face significant challenges including low volumes of births, difficulty recruiting staff, and the cost of modernizing or adding operating rooms. Held in two locations simultaneously, […]
Workforce Efforts Expanded in Monterey Bay
Who What Several efforts are underway in Monterey Bay to help build the health care workforce pipeline. In Santa Cruz County, the Health Improvement Partnership is developing listening tours — also called forums or focus groups — with key community stakeholders. Along with these efforts, CSU Monterey Bay, will kick off listening tours in spring […]
Medical Service Line Changes in Santa Clara
Who What The Regional Medical Center of San Jose has notified the Santa Clara County EMSA it plans to close and modify certain service lines: Takeaway/Next Steps Following the news, the Santa Clara County EMSA began conducting an impact study that will be disseminated to the hospitals and other stakeholders in mid-March. The Board of Supervisors […]
Sonoma County Focuses on Behavioral Health Needs
Who What Sonoma County is progressing toward better serving the behavioral health needs of its community. Continuing a multi-year process of collaboration with hospitals and other health care organizations, the county gathered leaders in February to share updates and note significant progress. Within the next two years, the county will: The expansion of behavioral health […]
National Conference Shines Light on Financial Struggle of Rural Hospitals
California’s nearly five dozen rural hospitals provide care to more than 2 million people and are both lifelines and economic pillars for the communities they serve. However, many of these hospitals are on the financial brink, reducing services just to stay open or facing the possibility of closure.
Vitality Payer Scorecard: Holding Insurers Accountable
CHA is hosting a complimentary, members-only webinar on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. (PT) to highlight the American Hospital Association Vitality Payer Scorecard, which was recently endorsed by the CHA board. It captures necessary and normalized data points without sharing protected health information. The automated process is based on de-identified claims and remittance files and eliminates the need for CHA surveys on this issue.
CHA Analysis Reveals How Insurer Practices Impede Patient Care
The California Hospital Association (CHA) has developed a detailed analysis of how insurance company practices negatively affect patients. It’s a key proof point supporting a comprehensive strategy to hold insurers accountable for patient care in California. One of CHA’s priorities this year is to create greater accountability (network adequacy, prior authorization, medical necessity, payment practices, parity) for insurers operating in California. The survey, conducted by CHA in 2023, saw significant response from California hospitals (many thanks to all who contributed). Broadly, the analysis reveals:
Honoring Black History Month and Advancing Health Equity for All
February marks Black History Month, a timely recognition of the Black community’s invaluable contributions and enduring legacy. Although we should uplift voices from Black communities year-round, February reminds us to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who have fought for justice and equality.
UCSF Health Reaches Agreement with Dignity Health to Acquire Two San Francisco Hospitals
Who What UCSF Health has signed a definitive agreement with Dignity Health to acquire Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center, along with associated outpatient clinics in San Francisco. UCSF Health hopes to close the transaction this spring. UCSF Health has committed to maintaining Saint Francis and St. Mary’s existing services, ensuring patients have […]