The HASD&IC Biweekly Briefing provides timely news and information for HASD&IC members and associates and is published on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Key articles and issues of interest from each publication, along with the President’s Message, are included below.
Newsroom
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: Apply for Learning Network on Supporting Patients with Complex Needs
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.
5 Things To Know: Imperial County Public Health Department Earns National Accreditation
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.
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Announces Key Leadership Transitions
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.)
5 Things To Know: Last Chance to Weigh in on CHNA Next Steps
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.
A Fresh Start on Familiar Issues
2026 is here, bringing with it a new set of opportunities. In baseball terms, we’re in the first inning — just a few pitches in, but with a host of heavy hitters coming to the plate.
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,
5 Things To Know: Medi-Cal Asset Test, New Presumptive Eligibility Requirements Will Take Effect Jan. 1
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.
5 Things To Know: CARE Court Will Expand Eligibility, Include Bipolar 1 Disorder Effective Jan. 1
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.
5 Things To Know: CMS Updates Hospital Surveyor Guidance to Address Discharge Planning, Notification Requirements, and More
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.
