News and Opportunities
04/11/2025
CASA Holds Annual Summit with ASC and Health Plan Leaders to Explore Strategies for Expanded Utilization of ASCs to Deliver Safe, High-Quality Patient Care
The California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) hosted its Annual Summit from April 1-3, bringing together ASC executives, health plan leaders, and healthcare experts to explore strategies for expanding the utilization of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in delivering safe, high-quality patient care in California.
03/28/2025
CASA Celebrates Women's History Month
Profile of CASA President-Elect Carrie Millsap
As we close out March and Women’s History Month, we wanted to share some insights from one of CASA’s valued Board Members, Carrie Millsap. She shares her perspective on the importance of women leaders in healthcare, and the impact of mentorship and leadership opportunities.
03/27/2025
CASA Executive Director Beth LaBouyer Announces Retirement
It is with mixed emotions that we share the news of Beth LaBouyer’s upcoming retirement as Executive Director of the California Ambulatory Surgery Association. After 20 years of dedicated leadership at CASA and decades of commitment to the ASC industry overall, Beth has informed the Board of Directors of her intention to retire, effective Fall 2025.
03/19/2025
CASA Members in Action
On March 14th, Assemblymember Dawn Addis (representing California’s 30th Assembly District) and her District Director, Andrea Chmelik, visited Coastal Surgical Institute (CSI) in Pismo Beach to celebrate an outstanding achievement. They proudly presented CSI with a Certificate of Recognition for receiving the prestigious 2024 CASA ASC Excellence Award.
03/06/2025
CASA Celebrates Women’s History Month
CASA Member Profile - Lisa Cooper
March is Women’s History Month—a time to recognize the important contributions of women in healthcare. CASA acknowledges the women leaders who have helped improve patient care and health outcomes, and we invite surgery centers to join us in celebrating these achievements. For those interested in learning more about the positive impact of women in healthcare, check out the Association of Women Surgeons, the National Women’s History Museum, and the American Medical Women’s Association for profiles, insights, and inspiring stories.
03/05/2025
CASA Legislative Update 3.5.25
In California, the legislative process is in the beginning stages of what is a long two-year session. After the February 21st bill introduction deadline, there were more than 2500 measures introduced – with just over 1500 Assembly bills and 850 Senate bills.
03/03/2025
CASA 2025 Salary Survey and Employment Lifecycle Webinar Series
It is that time of year to submit your information for the annual CASA Salary Survey. Each year, the survey becomes more successful with increased participation and expanded results.
02/26/2025
DWC Posts Fee Schedule Adjustments for Hospital Outpatient Departments / Ambulatory Surgical Centers
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 March 1, 2025.
02/21/2025
CASA Celebrates Black History Month
Member Spotlight - Sarah Sterling and Maisha Alexander
At CASA we continue to recognize Black History Month and celebrate the significant contributions of Black healthcare leaders in the ASC community. Join us this month in promoting the value of diversity in medicine, celebrating the contributions of Black leaders, and encouraging progress in closing gaps in healthcare access and equity for Black patients.
02/18/2025
CASA Hosting CASC Exam in September
CASA is excited to offer ASC professionals the opportunity to earn the prestigious Certified Administrator Surgery Center (CASC)® credential this fall! CASA would like to thank HST Pathways for being a generous sponsor and making this possible.
02/14/2025
CASA Celebrates Black History Month
Member Spotlight - Dr. Martina Randall
Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions of Black medical professionals, acknowledge continuing racial disparities in health outcomes, and promote health equity. At CASA, we want to recognize the Black physicians, nurses, researchers, and healthcare professionals who have helped advance medicine and improve patient care – these people help inspire future generations of Black healthcare professionals. Promoting diversity in medicine is proven to enhance patient communication, trust, and outcomes. Additionally, Black History Month provides an opportunity to promote health screenings, disease prevention, and wellness programs tailored to Black communities.
02/13/2025
ASC Community Support Alternatives to PAIN Act
Take the CASA Opioid-Sparing Pledge
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation Act (Alternatives to PAIN Act)—a vital step toward increasing access to non-opioid pain management treatments for Medicare beneficiaries across the country.
01/29/2025
Resilience in the Face of Fires: How Ambulatory Surgery Centers Survived and Supported Patients and Communities During the Recent Los Angeles Wildfires
In the face of the recent wildfires that destroyed many communities throughout the Los Angeles area, there were several ASCs that exemplified great resilience and a continued commitment to patient care and their communities. Centers were located in impacted areas, and many staff and surgeons were evacuated from their homes, with some suffering damage or loss from the fires. Elective procedures were stopped to allow the hospital and surgery centers to allocate staff to urgent needs and handle emergent cases.
01/27/2025
CASA Board Advocates for ASCs at the State Capitol
On January 25, 2025, CASA Board members met with key California legislators to highlight the vital role Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) play in the state’s healthcare system. In a productive day of advocacy, the Board engaged with 21 legislative offices across the Assembly and Senate, including many influential committee members overseeing ASC-related policies.
01/23/2025
Enhance Your HR Expertise with CASA’s Employment Lifecycle Webinar Series
First Session Approaching Soon - Don't Miss Out!!
As an ASC administrator, your HR responsibilities play a critical role in fostering a thriving workplace. Whether you’re new to HR management or a seasoned professional seeking the latest insights, staying informed is essential.
01/14/2025
CASA Member Update - Fires, Budget News and Legislative Look-Ahead
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have caused many ASCs to face temporary closures due to evacuations, poor air quality, power outages, and even catching fire. These disruptions are delaying procedures and impacting patient schedules. Moreover, staff availability is being affected as employees deal with personal evacuations, loss of homes, or transportation difficulties due to road closures and poor air quality.
01/10/2025
Enhance Your HR Expertise with CASA’s Employment Lifecycle Webinar Series
As an ASC administrator, your HR responsibilities play a critical role in fostering a thriving workplace. Whether you’re new to HR management or a seasoned professional seeking the latest insights, staying informed is essential.
01/07/2025
Important Dates for CASA Members in 2025
Make sure to update your Calendar!
Below are some important opportunities, including a timeline that California ASCs should be incorporating into their yearly plan. We encourage you to add these dates and deadlines to your calendar.
12/11/2024
CASA Members in Action
On November 14, 2024, Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) toured the Folsom Sierra Endoscopy Center. The visit was initiated after Senator Niello learned about the center’s achievement in receiving the CASA Award for ASC Excellence in September 2023 and expressed interest in seeing its operations firsthand.
12/10/2024
CA Pulse - Start of the Legislative Session -December 2024
McGuireWoods Consulting - CASA Legislative Advocates
On Monday, December 2, 2024, the California State Legislature convened for the start of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session to be sworn in for office. Right now, there are nearly 144 measures introduced – including 41 Senate Bills (SBs) and 82 Assembly Bills (ABs). Bills introduced at the start of session usually fall into one of three categories: placeholders bills, reintroductions of bills that died the previous session, or bills that aim to solidify a member’s interest in a specific issue area.
12/02/2024
Boost Your Team with CASA’s Perioperative 101 Discount!
Staffing remains a top priority for CASA members. That’s why CASA has partnered with AORN to offer members an exclusive discount on the AORN Perioperative 101 training program. This comprehensive course equips novice ASC perioperative nurses—new graduates and transitioning nurses with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in ambulatory surgery centers.
11/06/2024
Celebrating Veterans Day
Member Spotlight - Thomas Parra
On this year’s Veterans Day, we express great appreciation to all those who have served our Nation in war and in peace. We recognize their sacrifices and resiliency, and we honor those who have fallen.
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:
10/10/2024
CDPH AFL Addressing IV Solution Shortage
AFL 24-24 Intravenous (IV) Solution Shortage due to Hurricane Helene is now available. This AFL notifies facilities of the intravenous (IV) solution shortage due to Hurricane Helene. This AFL also provides Baxter’s guidance for health care providers on product management and conservation actions and CDPH guidance for planning and responding to supply chain issues.
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.
10/02/2024
SB 525 Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers to Go Into Effect This October
This past spring, Governor Newsom signed legislation extending the implementation of SB 525. This is the legislation mandating increasing the minimum wage in health care settings. In July, the budget agreement, continued the delay of the implementation of the healthcare minimum wage of $25.00 per hour taking effect until October 15, 2024, at the earliest.
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.
09/25/2024
CASA’s Annual Infection Prevention Seminar – Don’t Miss Out!
Register Today and Secure Your Spot at the Early-Bird Discount Rate!
Infection prevention remains a top priority for CMS ambulatory surgery center surveys, and now more than ever, staying up-to-date is essential. CASA has been at the forefront of infection prevention education since 2008, and we continue to lead the way with our annual seminar, designed specifically for ASCs.
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.
09/16/2024
CDPH Issues AFL Addressing CRNA Requirements
On September 6, 2024, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released an All Facilities Letter (AFL) addressing the requirements for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in General Acute Care Hospitals. Although this AFL is directed at hospitals, it contains valuable information and references that will also benefit California ASCs that utilize CRNAs in their daily operations.
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.
09/09/2024
CASA Awards 20 ASCs with the CASA Award for ASC Excellence
Sequoia Surgical Pavilion Honored with the CASA ASC of the Year Award
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, CASA revealed the recipients of the 2024 CASA Award for ASC Excellence and the CASA ASC of the Year. The awards were established to acknowledge that California ASCs are drivers of excellent healthcare, providing opportunities and solutions for healthcare reform. In 2016, the CASA Board established the CASA Award for ASC Excellence as a mechanism to honor ASCs who strive to “rise to the top.”
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.
07/02/2024
DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (Hospital Outpatient Departments/Ambulatory Surgical Centers)
CASA Benchmarking Open for 2024 1st Quarter Data Entry
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting 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.
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.
06/24/2024
Governor and Legislature Announce Budget Agreement Over the Weekend
Healthcare Minimum Wage Delayed Until October
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers made a budget agreement this past Saturday. The deal includes $16 billion in cuts, declares a statewide fiscal emergency, and pulls money from the state’s rainy-day reserves to balance a $46.8-billion budget deficit.
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.
06/12/2024
CASA Board Advocates for ASCs in Sacramento
On June 3rd and 4th, 2024, the CASA Board met with legislators in Sacramento to discuss the importance of the ambulatory surgery industry. The Board was able to meet with Senator Angelique Ashby and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to highlight issues important to ASCs and educate them on the role ASCs have to the health care system to help drive health care costs down while maintaining high-quality care.
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.
06/05/2024
Governor Newsom Extends Minimum Wage Implementation by One Month
On May 31, 2024, Governor Newsom signed an extension of SB 525 implementation from June 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024. This is the legislation mandating the following schedule for increasing the minimum wage in health care settings.
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.
