Biweekly Briefing Articles

5 Things To Know: Expanded Hospital Supplier Diversity Reports Due July 1 

The first round of expanded Hospital Supplier Diversity Reports required under Assembly Bill (AB) 1392 (2023) is due to the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) on July 1. In 2024, the Office of Administrative Law approved HCAI’s regulations to implement AB 1392, which updated the law to require that hospitals not only report on their current efforts to secure diverse suppliers (as required under existing law), but also on their plans for future improvements to supplier diversity programming. This year, the new reporting requirements are in full effect, and failure to report will incur a $100/day fine. HCAI has also developed a template to support this updated reporting. 

5 Things To Know: Community Conversation Will Focus on Regional Workforce Challenges

On June 5, the San Diego Workforce Partnership will host a local conversation with employers, partners, and funders from across San Diego County. The 9:30–11:30 a.m. session is geared toward partner organizations and potential funders, and the 1:30–3:30 p.m. session is geared toward employers. Topics to be discussed include: retention and turnover reduction, pilot programs, improving productivity and customer service, and more. Registration is open for each session individually; light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

5 Things To Know: Imperial County PATH Collaborative to Host Summer Events

The Imperial County Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) Initiative Collaborative has several events scheduled for this summer, including: an in-person gathering on June 26 in El Centro, a virtual California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Provider Forum on June 18, virtual CalAIM Peer Coaching Circles every other Monday, and a quarterly CalAIM 101 training on Aug. 14. More details and registration links can be found online. 

5 Things To Know: Fall Prevention and Balance Screening Training Offers Resources for Providers

On June 16 from 12:30–3:30 p.m., the San Diego Fall Prevention Task Force will conduct a training at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa. The training is intended for anyone interested in providing free fall prevention presentations and fall risk screenings to community groups, including service providers, older adults, community leaders. Attendees will receive the slide deck, presentation talking points, and supplemental materials. Registration is requested. 

5 Things To Know: DHCS Delays Medi-Cal Commercial MCP Procurement 

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will postpone the next commercial Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (MCP) procurement by at least two years, to allow the department time to focus on critical California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal initiatives. Current MCP contracts will be extended from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026, and the next competitive procurement for MCPs will begin no sooner than 2029, with contracts expected to take effect no sooner than 2031. More information is available on the Medi-Cal Managed Care web page.

Public Health Leadership Is More Critical Than Ever

Public health plays an essential role in the well-being of San Diego communities — not only by responding in times of crisis, but by building systems that help people live healthier, more secure lives every day. As our region continues to face urgent and complex health challenges, San Diego County has a new voice at the helm: Newly appointed San Diego County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan, MD, MPH.

5 Things To Know: AARP Aims to Empower Residents with Fraud Tools, Resources 

AARP California has launched its San Diego Scam Jam Tour, a series of free events designed to empower residents with the latest tools and resources to combat fraud and protect against identity theft. The tour runs from May through July in San Diego County and will feature fraud presentations, document-shredding events, and cybersecurity workshops. To attend, registration (but not AARP membership) is required. 

5 Things To Know: Mandatory Neurodegenerative Disease Reporting Begins July 1 

Starting July 1, providers diagnosing or treating patients with neurodegenerative diseases — such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s — are required to report each case to the California Neurodegenerative Disease Registry, run by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). To assist providers, CDPH has developed a Neurodegenerative Disease Guide to Reporting. Providers may also email the department at CDSRBhelp@cdph.ca.gov with questions.