News and Opportunities

10/17/2024

CASA Advocacy Update – October 2024

The two-year 2023/20424 legislative session for California has come to a close – the deadline for the Legislature to pass bills was on August 31st, and Governor Newsom had until September 30th to sign or veto the bills that came to his desk. This was a busy year for CASA advocacy, with active engagement in support or opposition to various legislative proposals, a series of tours at CASA member facilities to help legislators increase their familiarity with ASCs, and continued relationship-building with legislators to build our bench of policymaker champions on issues that impact ASC business and patient care. Key highlights and priority issues include:

10/03/2024

IV Fluid Shortage

A Baxter International facility in North Carolina damaged by the hurricane has halted production, which could result in shortages of normal saline, dialysis solutions and other IV products.  It’s likely CA ASCs have received notification from the manufacturer warning them of their decreased production and shipping allowances. The shortage of fluids along with other medical supplies could also be impacted by the dock workers strike on the East and Gulf Coasts.

09/30/2024

Governor Newsom Vetoes AB 3129 (Wood)

On September 28, 2024, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 3129 (Wood), a decision that protects thousands of valuable transactions, partnerships, and joint venture opportunities between Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), our hospital and health system partners, and private equity investors.

09/24/2024

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Profile of CASA Member Sylvia Uriarte, Business Office Manager, Central Coast Surgery Center

The dates for celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th through October 15th) were chosen to coincide with the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil. As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage this month, we invite you to learn more about CASA Member Sylvia Uriarte.

09/13/2024

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Profile of CASA Member Cindy Vasquez, Center Administrator

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15th through October 15th to recognize the history, culture, and contributions from Americans who have ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. As healthcare providers, CASA members can work to provide culturally competent care for the growing population of Hispanic and Latinx patients, which make up about 19% of the U.S. population.  CASA is celebrating this year by sharing some of our members’ stories.

07/17/2024

2024 Call for CASA Board Nominations

Operations Survey Deadline Extended

CASA Annual Board elections will be held this September at the CASA Annual Conference. There are 2 Board seats open, one of which must be filled by a physician.

06/27/2024

2024 Call for CASA Board Nominations

CASA Annual Board elections will be held this September at the CASA Annual Conference. There are 2 Board seats open, one of which must be filled by a physician.

06/20/2024

CASA Launches Operations Survey

Make sure your center participates

Navigating the day-to-day operations in a surgery center can be difficult.  CASA is launching an Operations Survey to assist our members benchmark their policies and components of daily operations.

06/05/2024

Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. ASC leaders can take steps to promote an inclusive workplace, including having clear policies to protect LGBTQ+ workers, creating employee resource groups, and fostering a culture of acceptance rather than discrimination. At the same time, ASCs should take purposeful steps to treat patients with sensitivity to ensure their healthcare experience is inclusive and respectful. 

05/17/2024

Honoring Memorial Day

Veteran Spotlight -  Chris Wilson, MD, LTC(Ret), US Army

This Memorial Day, let us honor veterans and active duty military by sharing resources focused on leadership development, which can be beneficial for veterans transitioning to roles in Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

04/30/2024

CASA Benchmarking and CMS Quality Measures Deadlines Approaching

The CASA Benchmarking will close for data entry on May 15, 2024.  This is the same deadline date for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Reporting measures.

04/23/2024

CASA Members in Action

On Friday, April 19, 2024, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) toured the Surgery Center of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Assemblymember Bonta chairs the Assembly Health Committee, so this was a terrific opportunity to educate her and her team on the impact ASCs provide for her district and the state at large.  

04/04/2024

CASA Advocacy Update – Protecting and Promoting the ASC Industry

Healthcare in California is changing – with new policies, political pressures, legislative mandates, and regulatory structures. CASA is adapting to those changes with a more robust advocacy program in Sacramento. CASA has expanded our team and presence, with two new lobbyists working in the State Capitol to educate lawmakers, engage with regulatory agencies, and represent the interests of California ASCs. Our approach will create more connections throughout the Legislature and maximize opportunities to protect and advance the industry amid the changing healthcare landscape.

03/19/2024

Change Healthcare Cyber Response

Resources for Providers, Pharmacies, Payers, Government Partners and Patients

As you are likely aware, Change Healthcare – an organization that works across the health system – has experienced a cybersecurity issue.  Below are some updates, links and resources available to support providers, pharmacies and patients in responding to questions and concerns.

03/08/2024

CASA Celebrates Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and it provides an opportunity to celebrate the vital role of women in American history. Some of those women made significant contributions to the advancement of medicine, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the first female surgeon in the United States, and Dr. Joycelyn Elders who was appointed as the first African American surgeon general in 1993.

02/23/2024

CASA Members in Action

CASA Award for ASC Excellence - Begin working on your Application

On February 16, 2024, Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) toured the Folsom Sierra Endoscopy Center.  Assemblymember Hoover reached out to tour the center after hearing Folsom Sierra Endoscopy Center received the CASA Award for ASC Excellence in September 2023.

02/13/2024

DWC Posts Fee Schedule Adjustments for Hospital Outpatient Departments / Ambulatory Surgical Centers

CASA Calculator Updated

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted adjustments to the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The changes take effect on February 15, 2024.

02/05/2024

CASA Celebrates Black History Month

Member Spotlight - Shawna Gill

Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage of African Americans and how the Black community has shaped U.S. history. February marks the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who were leaders in the fight to end slavery. Today, we can take time during Black History Month to acknowledge and reflect upon the current and past achievements of the Black community and their lasting impacts

01/24/2024

CASA Board Advocates for ASCs in Sacramento

On January 16, 2024, CASA Board members held several meetings with key California legislators discussing ASCs and their impact on healthcare and for their constituents and California at large.  The Board met with 23 member offices from both the Assembly and Senate, many who hold key committee appointments with ASC oversight.

01/02/2024

Important Dates for CASA Members in 2024

Below are some important opportunities, including a timeline that CA ASCs should be incorporating into their yearly plan.  We encourage you to add these dates and deadlines to your calendar.