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
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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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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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.
Central Valley Hospital Incident Command System Liaison Officers to Meet
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On March 12, Hospital Council is hosting its regular meeting of Central Valley liaison officers, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a method for hospital incident command system liaison officers to share information with the public health department.
Supporting California’s Rural Hospitals Is Crucial
Rural hospitals work to bridge health disparities in underserved areas, particularly in communities with higher rates of chronic illness and lower socioeconomic status. California has roughly five dozen rural hospitals, including 37 critical access hospitals (CAHs) — rural hospitals that serve communities at least 35 miles from another medical facility. Unfortunately, many rural hospitals need more staffing and funding, the lack of which can threaten their ability to provide sustainable care and maintain facility improvements.
Dan Tsai Named San Francisco Public Health Director
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On Feb. 11, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie appointed Dan Tsai as the new public health director, replacing Grant Colfax, MD.
East Bay Hospitals Focus on Relationship Building in Support of 2025 Priorities
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Following the November 2024 election, the East Bay section’s priorities are to build relationships with newly elected officials throughout the section, as well as continue to educate and connect with our long-standing legislators and county supervisors on the critical issues facing hospitals. All three East Bay counties have new county health department leaders, so it is imperative to establish relationships with this important group.
Northern Sierra Hospitals Leverage Relationships to Support Medicare
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The shift to a Republican-led administration in Washington, D.C., increases the influence of California’s nine Republican U.S. Representatives. Many hospitals in the Northern Sierra have long-standing relationships with two of these nine: Reps. Kiley and LaMalfa.
