At its December meeting, the Commission on Emergency Medical Services reviewed ongoing implementation challenges related to Assembly Bill (AB) 40’s ambulance patient offload time (APOT) requirements, under which hospitals must submit APOT reduction protocols annually.
A new collaborative funded by the California Health Care Foundation — Complex Needs in Medi-Cal: A Learning Network for Hospitals and Health Systems — seeks to bring together hospital and health system leaders from across California who are committed to caring for people with complex needs.
The Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) is now Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)-accredited, a national recognition acknowledging the organization’s ability to deliver the full spectrum of public health services, from disease prevention and health promotion to emergency preparedness and community engagement.
San Diego County has begun the new year with continued transformation, bringing in new leadership for key positions — including the appointment of Nadia Privara Brahms to behavioral health services director effective Jan. 9. (Privara Brahms served as acting director for the past several months.)
The window is closing to complete the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment follow-up survey and help move the report’s insights forward. All responses are anonymous and must be submitted by Jan. 31.
As part of the County of San Diego Emergency Medical Services’ (EMS) work to review the area’s base station hospital system model and trauma center catchment area designations,
Starting Jan. 1, California will reinstate Medi-Cal's asset limit for certain coverage groups, including those who are age 65 or older; have a physical, mental, or developmental disability; live in a nursing home; or are in a household with too much income to qualify under federal tax rules.
California Senate Bill (SB) 27 will take effect on Jan. 1, introducing key updates to the CARE Act — including expanding eligibility to include individuals with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features. SB 27’s main goal is to strengthen the original CARE Act by enhancing access, coordination, and efficiency in delivering mental health and housing services.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised Appendix A of the State Operations Manual to reflect new guidelines related to Medicare Conditions of Participation regulations finalized in 2019 and 2020, including discharge planning requirements; notifications for patients receiving observation services; and admit, discharge, transfer notification requirements for psychiatric hospitals.
A recording of the California Hospital Association’s recent webinar highlighting legislative changes is now available.
