The purpose of this bulletin is to inform hospitals to use the updated Single Bed Certification (SBC) form for mental health patients who are involuntarily detained under RCW 71.05. ... Read More >>

Changes to the hospital safety net assessment program law include new provisions for the quality incentive program. ... Read More >>

On June 30, legislators passed, and the governor signed a $34 billion operating budget hours before the new biennium was to begin, avoiding a partial shutdown of state services.... Read More >>

The Senate Republican leadership announced on Tuesday that they will release a new draft of the Better Care Reconciliation Act.... Read More >>

I’m an organ donor, and while nobody wants to think about passing away and leaving their family behind, I know that as a donor my organs can save or improve the lives of many people. I have personal experience of this. My best friend’s daughter, born the same month as my eldest son, needed a liver transplant due to a genetic issue.... Read More >>

The Department of Homeland Security released on July 7 an initial update on efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity of federal networks and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and health systems, as required by the president’s May executive order. With respect to critical infrastructure, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration is accepting stakeholder comments through July 28 on actions that could be taken to address the threat of automated attacks, such as botnets.... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to make hospitals aware of financial reporting requirements now tied to the Medicaid Quality Incentive Program (MQIP).... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform you about 2017 legislative changes to nurse staffing committee requirements and provide resources to help ensure compliance and success under the new law.... Read More >>

The legislature today released a $43 billion operating budget for the 2017-2019 biennium. If approved before midnight — as is expected — they will have avoided a partial state government shutdown by mere hours. WSHA is very pleased with the results for health care overall, and particularly applauds the legislature's additional funding of and important reforms to the state's mental health system.... Read More >>

While we have heard the legislature reached a preliminary budget deal, there is no additional information. We will be out with Inside Olympia when the budget details are released. The next step will be for the legislature to vote on the final budget.  We expect the legislature to meet the June 30 deadline.... Read More >>