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
Hospitals Can’t Be Left in the Dark
Earlier this month, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued draft guidelines that would actively disincentivize utilities from pursuing long-term undergrounding programs — a direction that is dangerously out of touch with the realities facing California’s businesses, communities, and hospitals.
Section Updates for September 24, 2025
CENTRAL VALLEY: Hospitals are working collaboratively with the Kern County Public Health Department to address the region’s ambulance patient offload time (APOT), which was 50:32 according to the Emergency Medical Services Authority’s (EMSA’s) latest report. To help reduce APOTs, hospitals with emergency departments are encouraged to register for EMSA’s “APOT Audit Tool” and begin conducting monthly audits.
Webinar to Highlight AI’s Promise for Reducing Denials, Improving Payment Timeliness
On Oct. 22 from 1-2:30 p.m., Hospital Council members can learn about a new platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to align revenue cycle and utilization review teams, help reduce denials, speed up reimbursements, and strengthen payer collaboration — all while boosting operational efficiency and financial performance. Presented by corporate associate member Xsolis, the webinar […]
Memo Examines Impact of Federal Activity on Hospitals’ Equity Reporting, Supplier Diversity Requirements
Last week, the California Hospital Association (CHA) issued a memo that outlines federal executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies; the memo also explains how these orders intersect with California laws on hospital equity and disparity reporting, as well as supplier diversity requirements.
Section Updates for September 10, 2025
CENTRAL VALLEY: In late August, Hospital Council met with Rep. Adam Gray (D-Merced) to discuss hospitals and health care in the Central Valley, including the ongoing Central Valley Health Care Landscape Analysis. Rep. Gray expressed a desire to host follow-up meetings with state health leaders focusing specifically on the Central Valley’s health needs.
First AB 1204 Equity Reports Due This Month
The deadline for inaugural Hospital Equity Measures Report submissions under Assembly Bill (AB) 1204 (2021) is just weeks away: Hospitals must submit their reports by Sept. 30.
More Than $2 Billion Available in Upcoming Settlement Opportunities
Deadlines are approaching for hospitals to recover more than $2 billion in settlement funds from several major class action settlements. The complexity and obscurity of the claims process can often lead to missed opportunities, but through Hospital Council’s partnership with Managed Care Advisory Group, LLC (MCAG), members have access to the industry leader and the most trusted name in class action settlement recovery.
Upcoming Webinars Will Delve into Data-Driven Decision-Making, Artificial Intelligence
In October, Hospital Council will offer three webinars designed to educate, connect, and support health care professionals who are tackling today’s biggest challenges:
Is Your Hospital Ready?
Change is nothing new in health care. From technological innovations to shifting patient needs, hospitals have constant reasons to evolve. That ability to adapt is taking on a new urgency in the aftermath of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which only compounds the financial challenges hospitals face.
Federal Grants Pose Limited Opportunity for Rural Providers
Faced with growing challenges, rural hospitals across Northern California are finding innovative ways to do more with less. Rural hospitals are not a “nice to have” — they are essential to the strength, stability, and survival of California’s entire health care system. When a rural hospital closes, the ripple effects are immediate and far-reaching:
