The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an overview of new requirements to the medical lien law. Please share with your financial assistance staff as appropriate. A new law (HB 1053) on medical liens was enacted this session. The law creates new requirements to provide notice of the use of medical liens and to remove liens following payment. This provision applies to all Washington state hospitals that use medical liens. The law goes into effect on July 24, 2015.... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to highlight potential implications for Washington State of the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in King v. Burwell. The key question in King v. Burwell is whether subsidies (tax credits and cost-sharing) will continue to be available for people who purchase health insurance through a marketplace created by the federal government. Most news coverage of King v. Burwell focuses on the impact for states with federally-run health exchanges. Washington State operates a state-run exchange, but the case could have consequences nationally which impact our state.... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an overview of new requirements to perform Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screenings for all newborns born in the state. The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) supported the change in requirements because the health of newborns is important. We believe all hospitals are currently performing these screens.... Read More >>

This bulletin provides information on the state’s plan to apply for a waiver of federal Medicaid requirements in order to accelerate its work on health care system transformation. ... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to: Inform hospitals of the new emergency rule filed on April 21 by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) impacting single bed certification for patients with medical conditions and provide updated designated mental health professional protocols to hospitals. Pages 23 and 24 contain information about single bed certification.... Read More >>

This memorandum is intended to update guidance to hospitals concerning financial reporting of hospital safety net assessment program-related expenses and payments. This update provides information on a recent Center for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s (CMS’s) approval of the Medicaid managed care contracts for the period ending December 31, 2013. ... Read More >>

This bulletin provides initial information on the state’s new plan to transform the delivery of care in Washington State, “Healthier Washington.” It also discusses WSHA’s actions to shape the decisions and how hospitals should engage in this multi-year process. ... Read More >>

The purpose of this Bulletin is to inform WSHA and AWPHD members of the proportion of membership dues used for lobbying purposes.... Read More >>

This year’s open enrollment period will close on February 15, 2015. While Medicaid-eligible patients will still be able to use www.wahealthplanfinder.org to enroll in AppleHealth, most of the people enrolling in commercial insurance will lose their opportunity until the next open enrollment period.... Read More >>

The Washington State Department of Health (the Department) Certificate of Need program has announced it is moving forward with review of tertiary health services that are subject to Certificate of Need. The Department will determine whether any changes are necessary to the tertiary health services list. Changes could include additions to or deletions from the list. We want to make sure you are aware this process has started so you can participate as appropriate in the public comment period, the first phase of which is January 1, 2015 to February 28, 2015.... Read More >>