Biweekly Briefing Articles

5 Things To Know: Resources, Upcoming Webinar Support Mandatory Health Equity Reporting

As the deadline for inaugural Hospital Equity Measures Report submissions under Assembly Bill 1204 (2021) approaches, the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) has officially opened its online reporting portal. Hospitals must submit their reports via the portal by Sept. 30, and resources from the Hospital Quality Institute (HQI) and HCAI are available to help hospitals meet this deadline. HCAI will also host a webinar on Aug. 18 from 10-11 a.m. (PT) to go over the reporting portal, de-identification guidelines, and various technical aspects. Hospitals that wish to take advantage of HQI’s automated reporting solution, which streamlines the data submission process considerably, should sign up as soon as possible.  

5 Things To Know: Register for EMSA Trauma Summit 2025; Continuing Education Credits Available

On Sept. 18 at the Kona Kai Resort, the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) will host the 2025 California State Trauma Summit, an annual statewide forum focused on advancing trauma and emergency care. Trauma professionals will gather for a day of education, collaboration, and innovation in trauma care, covering such topics as trauma system regulatory updates, disaster surge planning, trauma data reporting, and more. Attendees may earn continuing medical education and continuing education credits. 

5 Things To Know: New Behavioral Health Workforce Funding Available

The Policy and Innovation Center has released two requests for proposals addressing new behavioral health funding opportunities: the Nurse Practitioner Expansion Grant Program and the Social Work, Therapy, and Counseling Internship Program. Both programs are part of the ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund, which includes the San Diego Pay it Forward Loan Program and two other upskilling programs. The deadline to submit proposals is Aug. 27. 

5 Things To Know:CDPH Recommends Updating Vaccines for Back to School

As the 2025-26 school year approaches, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that families stay up to date on all vaccinations to prevent the spread of serious illnesses, reduce hospitalizations, and help keep kids in the classroom. For information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students, families can visit CDPH’s Shots for School and Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! web pages. Providers are encouraged to remind families and share these resources at back-to-school check-ups. 

A New Chapter for Health Care in Imperial County

Last week, the El Centro City Council in Imperial County approved the transfer of El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) to the Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) — a landmark step toward a stronger, more unified health system for the region. 

Member Spotlight: Change of Command at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton

Welcome and congratulations to Capt. Virginia H. Damin, NC, USN, who was named director of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP) on July 11. Damin relieved Capt. Jenny S. Burkett, who has transferred to the Office of Deputy Navy Surgeon General in Falls Church, Va.  Most recently, Damin served as the deputy director of Naval Hospital, […]

Associate Member Spotlight: Molina Healthcare of California

Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, as well as through state insurance marketplaces. For more than 40 years, Molina Healthcare of California has provided government-funded care to members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (for dually-eligible individuals), and the Covered California marketplace. Service areas include San Diego, Imperial, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties.   

Associate Member Spotlight: HKS Architects, Inc.

HKS designs comprehensive, healthy healing spaces. For more than 50 years and across 29 offices worldwide, HKS has been planning and designing places of care that enhance healthy outcomes through integrated and guest-focused care strategy, operations, technology, facility design, and cultural considerations.  

Associate Member Spotlight: Athene Law, LLP

Athene Law has revolutionized the traditional law firm model by making its top-notch and experienced health lawyers available via a virtual legal practice. They take on meaningful and challenging matters so that health care industry clients are better able to adapt 20th century rules to a 21st century delivery system.