Manuals

California Health Information Privacy Manual (2009 Edition)

This California-specific resource was written to help hospitals understand and comply with increasingly complex federal and state laws regulating the privacy
of health information. The manual addresses privacy requirements under the
new federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, the California Patient Access to Health Records Act, the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, and other state laws.

Download an order form

Consent Manual (2009 Edition)

Download an order form.

Read the Memo of Notable Changes

California Hospital Compliance Manual—
Scheduled for release Summer 2009

Written for California’s hospital compliance officers by Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, Inc., this new manual helps address the key components of an effective compliance program. The California Hospital Compliance Manual covers high risk compliance issues including uses of information technology, the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback laws, physician self-referral, proper cost reporting practices, hospital fair pricing policies, and issues for nonprofit and tax exempt hospitals. The manual also includes a model compliance plan that hospitals can adapt to fit their operations.

Hospital Charity Care & Discount Policies (2008 Edition)  

The new 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. The statute also calls for standardization of hospital billing and collection procedures. In addition, hospitals are now required by law to submit charity care and discount payment policies and procedures bi-annually to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). CHA developed this easy-to-use handbook to help front-line managers understand, implement, and comply with the new law.

Download an order form.

EMTALA—A Guide to Patient Anti-Dumping Laws
(November 2007 Edition)  

This manual has been fully updated and expanded. The sixth edition of this popular resource now includes: expanded discussion on medical screening exams and requirements for different patient types; tips for managing the transfer process and communicating with the receiving hospitals; tips for managing the transfer acceptance process; a new chapter on the application of EMTALA to disasters and public health emergencies; considerations for self-reporting a potential EMTALA violation and anti-retaliation laws; and seven new policy memoranda issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In addition, while not an EMTALA issue, a discussion of discharge of emergency patients who are homeless has been added.

Download an order form.

Model Medical Staff Bylaws & Rules  (2008 Edition) 

CHA's recommended Model Medical Staff Bylaws & Rules manual sets the framework for the working relationship of the medical staff, hospital administration and governing body, and assures legal protections are in place. The Model Medical Staff Bylaws & Rules manual stresses quality-of-care responsibilities and accountability. System-wide credentialing and allied health professionals also are addressed.

Download an order form.

Read the Memo of Notable Changes

Mental Health Law Manual 

(2005 Edition)

Providing care to patient with mental health issues is complicated. It isn't always easy to know what is "right" and what is "legal."

Download an order form.

Minors & Health Care Law (2004 Edition)
A Handbook on Consent for Treatment of Infants, Children and Adolescents

Who can give consent for treatment of a minor? What seems "right" may not be legal. Covers consent for treatment of infants, children and adolescents. Updated to include new laws for 2004, including baby stalking and revisions to the newborn abandonment law.

Download the Notable Changes memo.

Download an order form.

Records Retention Guide (2002 Edition - Includes HIPAA)

Which records should be kept and for how long? Use this index of retention requirements to establish an efficient records retention schedule. Now includes HIPAA privacy requirements.

Download an order form.

The California Guide to Preventing Sharps Injuries

Ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and protect workers against HIV and hepatitis B and C. Learn to develop an action plan, evaluate and select devices, establish safer work practices, document sharps injuries and create an exposure control plan.

Download an order form.

Environmental Health & Safety Compliance Manual

Simplify compliance with complex regulations, protect against fines and ensure a safe workplace. This is the only EH&S resource specific to California hospitals and health facilities. Includes self-assessment tools.

Download an order form.

Human Resources Guides & Manuals

These publications are offered at a special CHA-discount and are available to members only. All manuals are written by labor law expert and attorney Richard J. Simmons of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP.

Best Practices for Project Management, Design, and Construction of Buildings Under OSHPD Jurisdiction

Download the Best Practices for Project Management, Design, and Construction of Buildings Under OSHPD Jurisdiction manual (PDF), published by the California HealthCare Foundation.