California Hospital Association

Finding solutions to the rural health care crisis is “something that we all can agree with and sympathize with,” said Assemblymember Chris Rogers at CHA’s 2025 Rural Health Care Symposium in a panel discussion with CA legislators Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, Esq., Assemblymember Joe Patterson, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and Assemblymember Heather Hadwick. But, the challenges California’s rural hospitals face are complex: 1. Ongoing workforce shortages, caused in part by struggles to find clinicians willing to work in rural areas 2. Inadequate reimbursement rates that do not cover the cost of care squeeze already-strained hospital resources 3. Razor-thin margins mean hospitals must choose to cut services or risk closing their doors altogether   When rural hospitals struggle, patients feel the impact most deeply, sometimes having to travel miles for care that used to be available in their communities. As the state looks for ways to continue addressing rural disparities in access to care, Asm. Soria reminds audiences that “it’s not just a rural California issue…it’s an issue that’s impacting us nationally,” and one that requires deep examination. Many thanks to the CA legislators who engaged with rural hospital leaders on this important issue. Hospitals look forward to working together with the legislature to protect rural communities. 

Across rural California, patients’ access to care is eroding. And it’s not just in the Golden State — national data indicate a similar trend of hospital closures across the U.S. Today, Brock Slabach, Chief Operations Officer at National Rural Health Association, presented at CHA’s Rural Health Care Symposium, calling for federal policies that:    - Secure key rural health programs and foster localized care  - Increase Medicare Advantage reimbursements to cover the cost of care and reduce administrative burdens like delays and denials for care  - Stop Medicaid cuts that will decimate patients’ health care coverage and rural hospitals’ ability to provide care  - Sustain rural health infrastructure and financing    Rural communities are depending on lawmakers — in California and beyond — to secure the future of their hometown hospital and rural health care services. “We really cannot get to that future if we’re damaging the present,” Slabach continued.

The Rural Health Care Symposium, sponsored in part by Sunstone Cities, is a unique event designed just for rural hospital leaders: engage on key policy priorities, trends and updates, and innovative strategies to strengthen rural health care systems. Register: bit.ly/3WeGEu8

This year’s Rural Health Care Symposium, sponsored in part by Wipfli, will feature an exceptional lineup of presentations and discussions, including a CA Legislator panel discussion tackling the latest updates and outlooks in rural communities. Register: bit.ly/3WeGEu8

From AI applications to national trends and updates, the 2025 Rural Health Care Symposium — sponsored in part by California Telehealth Resource Center — is the premier opportunity to engage on the future of rural health care in CA. Register: bit.ly/3WeGEu8

The 2025 Rural Health Care Symposium, sponsored in part by Forvis Mazars US, offers an exploration of the specific challenges rural hospitals face and uncovers valuable insights on a range of critical health care topics. Register: bit.ly/3WeGEu8

Many thanks to the sponsors of the 2025 HR Conference, an event in partnership with the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). Sponsor support helps hospital leaders expand their skillsets to continue bringing the best care to patients.  Alliant Human Capital, HWL, Titus Talent Strategies, AMN Healthcare, Healthcare Benefits Alliance (HBA), West Coast University, Concern Health, Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium, and Corporate Traditions #2025HospitalHRConference #HealthCareHR  

Thank you, speakers at the 2025 HR Conference — hosted in partnership with Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) — for sharing your expertise with California hospital leaders! From navigating AI in health care to workforce shortages, your insights help HR professionals keep hospitals running smoothly.  Thank you Erika Frank, Shalena Desmond PHR, SHRM-CP, Bailey Bifoss, Wanda Cole-Frieman, Kalyn Dean, Karla Torres, Alia Porinsh, Scott Purvis SPHR SHRM-SCP, Eric Ostrem, Muira Mishra, Richard Simmons, Lindsay Szymanski Christopher Spiers, and Brooke Kozak. #2025HospitalHRConference #HealthCareHR  

Huge thanks to all who attended the 2025 HR Conference, hosted in partnership with Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC)! Key takeaways from this year’s program included:     Practical information and expert advice from health care leaders and human resources professionals about recruitment and retention, managing reasonable accommodations, wage and hour requirements, working with labor unions, and more     A highly interactive closing panel session on hot topics and trends facing health human resource professionals, including a roundtable discussion and information about using AI and data gathering for human resource purposes    #2025HospitalHRConference #HealthCareHR 

"...[I] had peace of mind that they were going to do everything possible to care for me,” patient Kristy said about the care she received at Cottage Health Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for peritoneal cancer. Read more: bit.ly/3CQLZkV