News

Download the Budget Comparison Chart here: 2017 budget summary and comparison chart.FINAL-1... Read More >>

The Big Picture: The House’s spending plan on WSHA’s key priorities is similar to the Senate’s solid support of needed health care services. Of note: No cuts to Medicaid payments for hospital-based clinics; Hospital safety net assessment included; Mental health care funding and reforms are good; Medicaid waiver funds appropriated (this was mostly not included in the Senate budget)... Read More >>

Five organizations that represent Washington State's largest health care delivery systems, physicians and providers are stating their opposition to the American Health Care Act. The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers (WACMHC), and the Community Health Network of Washington (CHNW), along with its subsidiary non-profit managed care company, Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), are calling on Congress to reject the House proposal that puts their patients at risk. Collectively, these groups represent 107 hospitals, 267 clinics, 10,000 physicians and other providers, 315,000 members, and more than 17 million patient visits a year statewide.... Read More >>

The state Senate Majority Coalition Caucus released its budget March 21, marking one of the milestones of this year’s legislative session. We are pleased with the Senate budget, which does not include any cuts to hospital-based clinics and funds several important health care priorities, including the Hospital Safety Net Assessment, post-discharge placement for complex patients and nursing home care in small, rural hospitals.... Read More >>

There is a shortage of mental health services available to residents in our state, forcing many in need of mental health treatment to be boarded in community hospitals. Recognizing that a coordinated approach is needed to address our state’s shortage of these services, WSHA convened a group of Puget Sound area hospitals to figure out how to increase access to care. Among health systems participating in the collaboration was Swedish Health Services, and through it came the opening of a behavioral health unit at Swedish Ballard in Seattle... Read More >>

In a recent Forbes article, four hospital CEOs discussed the role of patient engagement in quality care. All of them made clear the key messages regarding the importance of patient and family engagement. One of the examples they discussed was Patient and Family Engagement Councils, also known as Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs), which is one of the best practices recommended by the Partnership for Patients initiative, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).... Read More >>

The Washington State Office of Financial Management Health Care Research Center released the brief “Health Coverage Changes Under the ACA for Non-elderly Veterans and Spouses of Veterans in Washington.”... Read More >>

Welcome new affiliate member CliftonLarsonAllen LLP! CliftonLarsonAllen is an industry-driven firm specializing in wealth advisory, outsourcing, auditing, taxes and consulting. They serve as health care professionals first and auditors second.... Read More >>

Membership update from the March 23, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

Recent member news from the March 23, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>