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: San Diego County Sees Uptick in Meningococcal Disease
As of June 30, San Diego County has seen seven cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) — a significant increase from the average of 3.7 IMD cases per year between 2022-24, according to a July 3 health advisory. Providers should report confirmed and suspected meningococcal infections immediately to the San Diego County Epidemiology Unit.
5 Things To Know: Reminder: DHCS Webinar to Support Successful BHCIP Applications
In a special webinar to be held July 21 from 1-2 p.m. (PT), the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will share common reasons it does not fund a proposed Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) project, as well as tips on completing the grant application.
5 Things To Know: Reminder: Documents that Create Medical Debt Must Include Specific Language
As of July 1, hospitals must include specific language on any document that indicates the patient agrees to pay the hospital’s bill, per Senate Bill (SB) 1061 (2024). Failure to include the required language means the hospital cannot enforce the debt. More information, including sample language, is available in an article from the California Hospital Association.
5 Things To Know: San Diego American Indian Health Center to Host Substance Awareness Event
Attendees at this year’s “Raising Awareness” event, to be held at the Ballard Parent Center from noon to 4 p.m. on July 26, will be able to connect with community members and learn about substance use and opioid overdose prevention resources. Presenters at the event will include San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and Bear Roots Founder Stephanie Carrasco, as well as representatives from the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health and the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services.
5 Things To Know: CDPH Seeks Feedback on BHSA Population-Based Prevention Program Guide
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released the first phase of its Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) population-based prevention program guidance, covering requirements, statewide goals, and state-level prevention strategies. Feedback — which will help inform the program’s planning, development, and implementation — will be accepted through July 11 and can be shared through the online survey. Following this round of feedback, CDPH will release Phase 2 guidance addressing operational and administrative components.
5 Things To Know: Upcoming Webinar to Share Resources for Formerly Incarcerated Seniors in Need of Health Coverage
On July 22, Justice in Aging will host a webinar intended to help reentry navigators, legal service providers, and aging advocates support formerly incarcerated seniors in accessing health care coverage. It will include instructions on enrolling in Medicare using the Incarceration Special Enrollment Period, accessing Medicare services while in community supervision, and accessing additional financial assistance and coverage through Medicaid. Registration is available online.
5 Things To Know: CHCS Opens Applications for Professional Development Program
The Medicaid Pathways Program, offered by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), is a nine-month professional development program intended to support senior Medicaid staff’s leadership skills. The curriculum’s core components include practicing a competency-based leadership model, engaging in individual coaching, and applying the leadership curriculum. Senior leaders in Medicaid agencies from all states and territories are invited to apply by July 25.
Associate Member Spotlight: American Medical Response
American Medical Response, Inc. (AMR) — part of the Global Medical Response (GMR) family of companies — is committed to its mission of providing care to the world at a moment’s notice with a focus on:
Stories Make the Facts Resonate
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou
Hospitals Will Continue to Protect and Heal Those in Need
Across the country, and here in California, as federal agents continue aggressive immigration enforcement, questions have been popping up among health care providers and patients alike about their security when accessing hospital care and other resources.
