New California Health Information Privacy Manual Now Available

The California Health Information Privacy Manual clarifies federal and state health information privacy laws and explains to hospitals and health facilities how to comply. New topics include the federal HITECH Act; companion state measures SB 541 and AB 211; breaches including enforcement and penalties; employee health information; and more. CHA has posted several privacy resources that are available for download.

Web Seminar to Cover New Cal/OSHA ATD Standards

CHA will hold a web seminar July 21, 10 a.m. to noon, on the new Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standards. Adopted May 21, the new standards were developed to protect employees who encounter those with new and emerging infectious diseases. While most hospitals already have infection control plans, the new standards expand the requirements and impact many areas of hospital operations.

Public Advocacy Program Re-Launches Website

The CHA Public Advocacy Program has re-launched SaveMyEmergencyRoom.com with new features, information and a new name and address — ProtectMyER.com. The redesigned site includes real patient stories, videos from ER physicians and more choices for news.

CDPH Issues Statement on Pandemic Alert Level for H1N1

Dr. Mark Horton, director of CDPH, issued a statement June 11 on the World Health Organization’s decision to raise the Pandemic Alert Level for H1N1 from Phase 5 to Phase 6. Read more.