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
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.
Shining a Light on Disparities During Black History Month
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February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions and legacy of the Black community. While it is essential to uplift the voices of Black communities year-round, this month reminds us to reflect on the triumphs and struggles of those who have followed Ruth Janetta Temple, MD, in the fight for justice and equality.
Sonoma County Crisis Stabilization Unit Reopens
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After being closed for six months, Sonoma County’s crisis stabilization unit (CSU) reopened for patient care on Feb. 8.
Central Valley Hospital Incident Command System Liaison Officers to Meet
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On Feb. 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 to the public health department.
Redwood Coast Members Meet, Discuss Rural Hospitals’ Financial Stability and More
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The Redwood Coast CEOs held their first section meeting of the year, centering discussions on the financial stability of rural hospitals amid potential changes to government reimbursement. Pat Blaisdell, vice president, policy, for the California Hospital Association (CHA), provided an overview of the Vitality Index Payer Scorecard and CHA’s insurer accountability efforts, and she led a discussion on post-acute care needs in Humboldt County.
Santa Clara Hospitals Build Relationships with Incoming Supervisor
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Hospitals in Santa Clara County met with the newly elected member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Betty Duong — the first relationship-building opportunity with Supervisor Duong and her staff. Conversation topics included ambulance patient offload times, Senate Bill 43 (2023), and the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA).
More Than $5 Billion in Settlement Opportunities Still Available
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The $5.54 billion Visa/Mastercard Class Action Settlement deadline recently passed, but more than $5 billion is available in active class action settlements with upcoming deadlines in 2025 — including the $2.8 billion Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provider settlement. Organizations may still be eligible to recover funds.
Hospitals Are Here to Help
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On Jan. 27, the Hospital Council Board of Directors will finalize this year’s major areas of focus. Discussion topics will include efforts to reduce ambulance patient offload times in various areas throughout California, the potential reopening of Madera Community Hospital, the state and federal election impacts on hospitals, insurer accountability, and the importance of participating in the California Hospital Association Political Action Committee.
APOT Standard Adjusted in Sacramento County
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Hospitals have worked diligently, innovatively, and collaboratively to improve ambulance patient offload times (APOT) in 2024. With a state-highest collective APOT of 73 minutes in December 2023, area hospitals achieved a dramatic improvement over a 12-month period, dropping to 27 minutes in December 2024.
San Francisco Health Director Grant Colfax Resigns
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San Francisco Public Health Director Grant Colfax, MD, announced his resignation, effective Feb. 7. Deputy Director of Health Naveena Bobba, MD, MPH, will serve as acting director in the interim. In his note to the section CEOs, Dr. Colfax expressed his appreciation for hospitals’ collaboration and partnership with SFDPH, particularly over the course of the pandemic.
