Message from the Chair | May 2025

We are already into May and so much has already happened, including the Home Care Manager's Certificate Program, and Blueprint for OASIS Accuracy.  And we had a great Lobby Day event April 22-24.  I want to personally thank everyone who attended this year’s Lobby Day events. Lobby Day is so very important in getting our voices heard.  And I want to give a special thank you to all of the CAHSAH staff, especially Dean Chalios, Monica Chapman and Mary Adorno. They all worked exceptionally hard to make Lobby Day a success.  And thank you to Peter Kellison, CAHSAH’s long-time lobbyist, who gave a great presentation to all who attended. 

During Lobby Day(s), this year’s attendees learned about bills that have been proposed in California that affect our industry.  This year CAHSAH chose to support the following bills:

• AB 1400: proposes to develop a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program at select community colleges 
• AB 1495: proposes to authorize online training for home health aides
• SB 412: proposes to ensure that all home care aide organizations train their home care aides in Alzheimer's and Dementia care
• SB 315: would require the Department of Health Care Services to seek amendments to remove the wait list for the Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) 1915(c) waivers to assist medically fragile patients to receive care.
• In addition, CAHSAH, along with other groups, is working to encourage the State to increase the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate for providers caring for the State’s most fragile private duty nursing population

Lobby Day attendees met virtually with legislators and their staff to inform them about CAHSAH what we all do.  Attendees then presented information on the bills that CAHSAH is supporting and why these bills and issues are important to our industry.  During the opening day remarks, attendees heard from Assembly Member Pilar Schiavo.  She is very supportive of the home-based care we all provide, and she is supportive of CAHSAH’s efforts.  It was wonderful to hear from her as a legislator who understands what we do for our clients and how important those services are.

In addition to the virtual Lobby Day events, Dean Chalios, CAHSAH President & CEO, and myself were able to be present on the Capitol grounds on April 23rd along with other groups who provide Long Term Services and Supports in California, including PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and CAHF (Calif Association of Health Facilities).  We were all able to provide information regarding long-term care services in California to all who came by our tables.  

And a final reminder - The CAHSAH Annual Conference (May 19th – 22nd) at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, is almost here.  Hope to see you all there.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Lehmann

CAHSAH Board Chair