Laws & Regulations

About Laws & Regulations

CHA’s legal department works on behalf of member hospitals and health systems in a variety of ways:

Advocating before the courts both as a party in litigation and as amicus curiae in important appellate cases
Assisting hospital compliance officers, privacy officers, and other staff with compliance with the myriad federal and state laws that govern hospital administration and the delivery of health care. This includes CHA’s California Health Information Privacy Manual, a California-specific resource that compares privacy requirements under HIPAA to state laws, and the California Hospital Compliance Manual, which covers high-risk compliance issues.
Representing the interests of California hospitals before state and federal courts in lawsuits involving MICRA, reimbursement, labor and employment, medical staff, and other issues
Assistance with medical staff bylaws
Expertise in mental health law

This section also includes information about the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Licensing and Certification Division, which is responsible for the licensure, regulation, inspection, and certification of health care facilities and certain health care professionals in California.

5 Things To Know: Feedback on County of San Diego’s Legislative Program Due Oct. 6

To help frame its advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels, San Diego County develops an annual legislative program to outline policy directives and legislative priorities. The program covers a range of issues that could significantly impact county operations and budget, as well as the communities it serves, and provides a roadmap for county advocacy activity. Potential topics for 2025 include affordable housing, climate change, homelessness, equity and justice, public health, and safety. 

5 Things To Know: Hazard Pay, Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation, Medi-Cal CalAIM

Hazard Pay: The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to spend $36 million of American Rescue Plan funding on hazard pay for the county’s essential employees. Mandatory bonus pay has been the subject of much discussion around the state as we emerge from the pandemic. The Culver City Council has passed an ordinance that requires $5 per hour hero pay for employees at the city’s only hospital, and Assembly Bill (AB) 650 would mandate bonuses of up to $10,000 for hospital employees and contractors. However, AB 650 was moved to the Assembly Inactive File on June 3 and is now a two-year bill.