News and Opportunities
05/07/2026
Important I-9 Update
CASA Keeping California ASCs Informed
As part of CASA’s ongoing commitment to keeping California ASCs informed and prepared, we wanted to share the important compliance update below, regarding Form I-9 requirements and ICE enforcement changes.
These updates significantly increase the risk of penalties for what were previously considered minor technical errors, making it more important than ever for centers to review their current I-9 processes and documentation practices.
04/03/2026
CASA Benchmarking is Open for Q1 2026
Benchmarking is one of the most powerful tools an Ambulatory Surgery Center has to drive measurable improvement and sustained success. The CASA Benchmarking Program goes beyond simple comparison, equipping you with credible, ASC-specific data that aligns with regulatory expectations while giving your team clear direction. It empowers you to identify gaps, prioritize meaningful improvements, and track progress over time. In an environment where margins are tight and expectations continue to rise, benchmarking ensures your ASC is not just keeping pace—but operating with intention, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
04/03/2026
CASA Award for ASC Excellence
This is your opportunity to showcase the outstanding work happening within your surgery center and gain well-deserved recognition from your peers across California. More than an award, it’s a powerful way to highlight the quality, innovation, and patient-centered care that define your ASC. We strongly encourage you to start gathering your information and take the first step toward applying. Let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible impact ASCs are making every day—and make sure your center is part of that story.
02/18/2026
DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (Hospital Outpatient Departments/Ambulatory Surgical Centers) Now Updated on the CASA Website.
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.
01/25/2026
CASA 2026 Key Dates, Deadlines & Member Updates
As we begin 2026, CASA is actively planning and coordinating initiatives to strengthen support for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across California. As your statewide membership association, our focus remains on delivering meaningful education, practical resources, and opportunities that help your centers thrive. Below are some important opportunities, including a timeline that ASCs should be incorporating into their yearly plan. We encourage you to add these dates and deadlines to your calendar.
12/11/2025
CMS UPDATES FOR DECEMBER 2025
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.
10/16/2025
2025 Legislative Update for CASA Members
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%.
10/01/2025
CASA Monitoring Impacts of Government Shutdown on Surgery Centers
CASA’s Annual Infection Prevention Seminar – Don’t Miss Out!
As of October 1, the federal government has officially shut down following Congress's failure to agree on a short-term spending bill. California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) is monitoring the impact on the ASC community and remains in close contact with congressional offices and federal agencies.
09/22/2025
CASA Members Take Part in ASCA’s National Advocacy Day
On September 15–16, 2025, 16 representatives from the California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) joined colleagues from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s (ASCA) National Advocacy Day. This year’s event brought together 89 dedicated advocates from 30 states, resulting in 122 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. CASA’s California team alone met with 19 congressional offices, making sure the voices of California Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) were clearly heard and strongly represented on Capitol Hill.
09/17/2025
CMS Prior Authorization Demonstration Project Launches December 15
California Among 10 States Selected for Participation
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the launch of a five-year Prior Authorization Demonstration Project for select services provided in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), beginning December 15, 2025. California is one of ten states included in this initiative, alongside Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
09/10/2025
CASA Annual Business Meeting Highlights Leadership, Legacy, and a Vision for the Future
Meet Your CASA Board
The Annual CASA Business Meeting took place on September 4, 2024, bringing together key leaders to reflect on the past year and chart a course for the future. President Oren Shill, President-Elect Carrie Millsap, Treasurer Tersa Lech, Executive Director Beth LaBouyer, and Incoming Executive Director Karen Reiter led the discussion, covering CASA’s membership, financial health, and organizational activities.
09/07/2025
CASA Conference Wraps Up in San Diego, Delivering Educational Excellence
The CASA Conference wrapped up on Friday after a week of education, networking, and collaboration. With nearly 500 attendees and a record-breaking number of sponsors and exhibitors, this year’s event marked one of the most successful in CASA’s history.
09/05/2025
CASA Conference 2025: Advocacy Front and Center
The CASA Conference in San Diego continued with a timely and insightful session on California and National Legislative and Regulatory Updates. The panel featured CASA lobbyists Ryan Pierini and Alison Ramey, alongside Kara Newbury, Chief Advocacy Officer at ASCA, and Bill Prentice, CEO of ASCA. Together, they shared perspectives on the shifting healthcare landscape and the critical role of ASCs in shaping policy.
09/04/2025
CASA Annual Conference 2025 Kicks Off in San Diego
CASA’s Annual Conference opened this week at the Sheraton San Diego with a packed ballroom and an inspiring first general session: “From Service to Strategy: Lessons in Leadership from Veteran ASC Leaders.”
08/14/2025
Celebrate National ASC Month with CASA
This August, CASA joins the nationwide celebration of National ASC Month. This is a time to recognize the critical role that ASCs play in delivering safe, high-quality, and cost-effective surgical care.
08/06/2025
Call for 2025 CASA Board Nominations
Submit Your Interest by August 13, 2025
Make your voice heard and help shape the future of California’s ambulatory surgery centers! CASA is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors, with elections taking place at this year’s CASA Annual Conference in San Diego.
07/29/2025
CASA Employment Lifecycle Webinar Series
Next Live Session Thursday, August 7, 2025
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.
07/24/2025
CASA Members in Action
Senator Tim Grayson Tours Sequoia Surgical Pavilion
On July 24, 2025, Senator Tim Grayson toured Sequoia Surgical Pavilion. Clinical Director, Amanda Morales, RN, states, “We were honored to welcome Senator Tim Grayson to our ambulatory surgery center for a tour that left a lasting impression. As a long-time advocate for our region, Senator Grayson brought a grounded and approachable perspective to the conversation. This visit marked his return to our facility, having toured previously during his time in the Assembly.”
07/23/2025
CASA Conference 2025 - September 3-5th
Accreditation Friday
The CASA Conference is September 3-5, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. Friday, September 5th, we will roll out “Accreditation Friday”. The Friday program will be devoted to a series of general sessions addressing many of the top accreditation questions, areas of frequent non-compliance, and how to make accreditation elevate your ASC.
07/17/2025
Call for 2025 CASA Board Nominations
Submit Your Interest by August 13, 2025
Make your voice heard and help shape the future of California’s ambulatory surgery centers! CASA is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors, with elections taking place at this year’s CASA Annual Conference in San Diego.
07/15/2025
CMS Releases 2026 Proposed Payment Rule – Major Wins for ASCs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2026 Proposed Payment Rule for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs), and the news is encouraging for the ASC community.
07/11/2025
ASC Guidance for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Visits
In today’s complex healthcare and regulatory environment, it’s essential for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) to be prepared for unexpected scenarios — including the rare but impactful possibility of a visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Such situations can raise urgent questions about legal rights, patient confidentiality, and staff responsibilities. This guide is designed to help ASC teams understand their role, respond appropriately and lawfully, and ensure that patient care and privacy remain protected at all times. By establishing clear protocols and providing staff with the right tools and training, ASCs can navigate these situations with confidence, professionalism, and compassion.
07/07/2025
DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (Hospital Outpatient Departments/Ambulatory Surgical Centers)
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.
07/03/2025
Call for 2025 CASA Board Nominations
Submit Your Interest by August 13, 2025
Make your voice heard and help shape the future of California’s ambulatory surgery centers! CASA is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors, with elections taking place at this year’s CASA Annual Conference in San Diego.
06/30/2025
CASA Announces New Executive Director
After an extensive and thoughtful search, the CASA Board of Directors is excited to share with our valued membership the appointment of Karen Reiter as the next Executive Director of CASA, succeeding the soon-to-be-retiring Beth LaBouyer.
06/27/2025
Updates from Sacramento: CASA Advocacy Continues as Legislative and Budget Negotiations Advance
We’ve reached a key transition point in California’s legislative session – but there’s still much to be decided. Here’s a quick update on where things stand and how CASA is continuing to represent the interests of California’s ASCs.
06/25/2025
Important June Deadlines
CASA ASC Excellence Award and CASC Certification Discount end June 30th
CASA has some great opportunities for our members. Make sure you take advantage before the June 30th deadline.
06/19/2025
New Disclosure Language Required in 2025
ASCs should update medical debt contracts by July 1, 2025
Last year Governor Newsom signed SB 1061 (Limon) into law. It amended the California Civil Code to make several changes aimed at protecting consumers from the negative impacts of medical debt. “Medical debt” is defined as “a debt owed by a consumer to a person whose primary business is providing medical services, products, or devices, or to the person’s agent or assignee, for the provision of medical services, products, or devices” and includes debt a consumer incurs for services provided by healthcare facilities including ASCs.
06/16/2025
CASA Celebrates Pride Month
Member Spotlight - Dr. Robert Elsen
This Pride Month, CASA honors the LGBTQ+ professionals who have helped shape California’s ambulatory surgery centers into more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable spaces for both patients and staff. Their leadership reminds us that healthcare is not just about clinical excellence—it’s also about creating environments where people feel seen, respected, and safe. In this month’s spotlight, we are proud to feature Dr. Robert Elsen, a longtime gastroenterologist in San Francisco whose career has been shaped by courage, compassion, and advocacy—from the early days of the HIV epidemic to today’s ongoing efforts for inclusion in medicine.
06/09/2025
Important June Deadlines
CASA ASC Excellence Award and CASC Certification Discount end June 30th
CASA has some great opportunities for our members. Make sure you take advantage before the June 30th deadline.
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.
