About Emergency Department/Trauma
California’s emergency departments (EDs) provide critical health services to those experiencing trauma, injury, or acute medical conditions. EDs offer comprehensive care, do not require previous authorization, and are open 24/7 year-round. EDs are facing unprecedented patient volume, with a 42% increase in the past seven years. By improving access to care for primary and specialty services, emergency visits can be reduced. More focused state and federal policies will be required to reduce Californians’ health care risks and ensure equitable access to appropriate care levels before people need emergency care.
Two Big EMS-Related Changes Ahead for San Diego Hospitals
San Diego’s emergency medical services (EMS) system depends on close coordination between first responders and hospitals to provide timely, lifesaving care throughout our community. Hospitals maintain around-the-clock emergency and specialty care capabilities, receive patients when every minute matters, and work closely with EMS clinicians to ensure a seamless transition from the field to the emergency department (ED). Two significant changes now underway will affect how hospitals fulfill this essential role.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County to Host Three EMS Pilot Transition Meetings
The ImageTrend, Pulsara, and TigerConnect prehospital notification pilot programs will conclude on Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. (PT). Weekly pilot participant meetings are being held on Sept. 3, Sept. 9, and Sept. 22 to share program updates and gather stakeholder feedback.
5 Things To Know: Chapter 6 and Assembly Bill 40 Regulations Now Final
The Office of Administrative Law has approved two regulations related to emergency departments:
Implementation of Assembly Bill 40 (ambulance patient offload times) – in effect as of July 23, 2026
Chapter 6 Specialty Designation and Regulations (trauma, STEMI/stroke, emergency medical services care for children) – effective Oct. 1
Read more on the California Hospital Association website.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Survey to Measure Economic Impact of Tijuana River Valley Pollution
People who work, live, visit, own businesses, or are part of community organizations near the Tijuana River Valley are invited to participate in a survey measuring the economic impacts of ongoing sewage pollution. This survey will remain open for at least four weeks, and findings — which will help guide future funding and long-term solutions...
5 Things To Know: CHA Advocacy Strengthens APOT Audit Tool Responsibilities in Final Regulations
As reported in CHA News, the state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Commission last week approved regulations focused on Assembly Bill (AB) 40 (2023) and Chapter 6 Specialty Care Designation. During the written comment period for AB 40 regulations earlier this year, the California Hospital Association raised concerns regarding the lack of clarity around the role...
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Shares Updated APOT Data
The County of San Diego Emergency Medical Services agency has updated the Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT) dashboard. The interactive tool, which is public and updated daily, includes real-time, trended, and categorized countywide data to inform stakeholder operations and policy decisions.
5 Things To Know: APOT Reduction Protocols Due June 30
All hospitals must submit an ambulance patient offload time (APOT) reduction protocol — required under Assembly Bill 40 (2023) — to the Emergency Medical Services Authority annually on or before June 30. The California Hospital Association recommends that hospitals submit their protocols as soon as possible.
5 Things To Know: EMSA Releases Updated AB 40 Regulations; Comments Due March 4
The Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) has released updated Assembly Bill (AB) 40 regulations for final rulemaking related to ambulance patient offload times, with comments due on March 4. Read more in this article from the California Hospital Association.
5 Things To Know: Commission Working to Increase Implementation of APOT Protocols
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.
5 Things To Know: EMS to Update Base Hospital Nurse Reports on Jan. 6
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,