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Washington State Hospital Association
999 Third Avenue
Suite 1400
Seattle, WA 98104
WSHA recently sent the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) a comment letter and recommendations in response to the OIC’s request for comments related to health plan prior authorizations. The OIC is considering rulemaking to streamline the prior authorization process and make it easier for consumers and providers to get prior authorizations.... Read More >>
WSHA and AWPHD’s 40th Annual Rural Hospital Leadership June 26-29 in Chelan is fast approaching, and registration will close online next Friday, June 17, so be sure to register now! Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to download the new WSHA mobile app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.... Read More >>
Over the last several years, WSHA has lobbied the state legislature to make significant investments in mental health. This work has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in capital funding for mental health beds. Using this funding, a number of new mental health beds have already opened, and many more are in development. The Washington State Department of Commerce just released the application for a second pool of money for capital grants to create mental health capacity. Applications are due July 28... Read More >>
Rural hospitals face unique challenges and opportunities every day. Situated across our state’s beautiful countryside, they help ensure that everyone in Washington has access to high quality health care to keep living healthy, fulfilling lives. They also bring jobs as well as economic stability to their communities, serving as a conduit to emergency services and primary care.... Read More >>
Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner Merritt Hawkins would like to share a blog article discussing the relationship between poverty and the increased demand on health care services. The article suggests that policy-makers often do not account for the income level of the community when pointing to examples of who is doing a “good” job in managing their patient populations. ... Read More >>
The AHA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on June 7 released a one-page resource to help hospital patients who may be prescribed opioids before discharge discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with their health care provider.... Read More >>
A Senate Appropriations Subcommittee this week set funding levels for the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2017 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The HHS funding bill has often been the venue for partisan fights. This week’s action sets the stage for the first Senate floor vote on the HHS spending bill in years. ... Read More >>
Recent member news from the June 9, 2016 Weekly Report.... Read More >>
Many hospitals are struggling with patients who have completed their acute hospital stay, but for whom post-hospital placement cannot be found. Based on member concerns, a new goal has been added to the WSHA strategic plan: Exploring policy options and process changes to speed up discharge for patients waiting for placement in long-term care facilities.... Read More >>
Tom Parker, the chief operating officer of Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, has been appointed to the position of permanent chief executive officer. The hospital board unanimously approved the appointment on June 2. Tom has served as interim CEO since March, and he will continue to serve as COO.... Read More >>