As this year draws to a close, we reflect with deep gratitude on all that California’s Ambulatory Surgery Centers have accomplished. Together, we reached meaningful milestones, made important progress, and celebrated successes that were only possible because of the dedication and leadership of this extraordinary community.

CASA's overview of CMS changes that impact many of our ASC's: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2026 final payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPD). This was released along with removing many CPT codes from its inpatient only list and transitioning them to ASC's. Several changes to the ASC Quality Reporting Program that affect many ASC's. The CMS Prior Authorization Demonstration for certain Ambulatory Surgical Center Services was delayed in December and will begin mid to late January 2026.

On November 7, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued revised fee schedule documents for the October update. DWC has posted an order adjusting the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers fee schedule to adopt the following Medicare updates:

The 2025 legislative session concluded on September 13th, and October 13th was the last day for Governor Newsom to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature. Of the 917 bills approved by the Legislature this year, Newsom signed 794 bills and vetoed 123 bills – a veto rate of 13.4%, slightly lower than last year’s 15.7%.

On October 1,2025, Governor Newsom signed AB 876 (Flora) Nurse anesthetists: scope of practice into law.  AB 876 delivers clarity to existing statutes and reaffirms the essential role of CRNAs in California’s health care system. The bill does not expand CRNA scope, but rather codifies current, safe, and effective practices to prevent future misunderstandings.