CHA Issues Media Statement on New Medicare Audit Contractor

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a new contractor — HealthDataInsights, Inc. of Las Vegas — to work with California hospitals as part of the national roll-out of the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor program. For more information, please see Oct. 6 CHA Media Statement.

Web Seminar on New Privacy Laws and Penalties Set for Nov. 12

CHA will host a web seminar that will examine two new laws signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger authorizing state fines for security and privacy violations involving patient health information. SB 541 and AB 211, which take effect Jan. 1, 2009, impose fines of up to $25,000 per breach of confidentiality.

Health08.org Covers Election Health Policy Issues

Developed by the Kaiser Family Foundation, health08.org offers wealth of information and resources, including analysis, news updates and a side-by-side comparison of presidential candidates' health care proposals.

Hospital Charity Care & Discount Policies Handbook Now Available

The charity care and discount payment law requires every general acute-care hospital, psychiatric acute-care hospital and specialty hospital to make the public aware of charity care, payment discounts and government-sponsored health coverage programs. CHA has developed an easy-to-use Charity Care & Discount Policies handbook to help frontline managers understand, implement and comply with the new law.