The Health Care Authority adopted final rules on two items WSHA has been involved in... Read More >>
WSHA recently sent two hospital-specific reports to the chief financial officer at each of our member hospitals.... Read More >>
One of WSHA’s greatest strengths is its ability to convene members and different groups to collaborate and solve problems together. Just last week, we were able to use this strength again. On May 24, WSHA hosted a large meeting with representatives from the state Department of Health (DOH), the regional Accountable Communities of Health (ACHs) and member hospitals from across the state to collaboratively address health challenges that impact all of Washington State.... Read More >>
Last week, we had a webcast update on the progress of the legislative session. While the budget is not done yet — and is not expected to be completed until the last minute — many of WSHA’s priority policy bills have been passed by both houses and have been signed by the governor. It’s exciting so see progress being made on so many key issues, and we are grateful for all of the WSHA members who spend time testifying in Olympia.... Read More >>
The American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a letter to the U.S. Senate May 25 to express its viewpoint that legislation re-examining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) must be guided by ensuring that health care coverage remains available to the tens of millions of Americans who benefitted from the law. The AHA re-iterated that hospitals have major policy concerns with the House-passed American Health Care Act.... Read More >>
While I was in Washington, D.C., last week, WSHA was one of a small group invited to participate in a meeting with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma. The conversation was intended to focus on the regulatory challenges facing rural providers. (Special thanks to Richard Ervin FNP-C of Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center. Richard called into the meeting to ensure the voice of the providers was heard.)... Read More >>
WSHA is responding to the HCA’s request for information for the toolkit on behalf of some of our rural members. WSHA is also exploring working with the HCA and managed care organizations to develop common measures that can be used for inpatient care.... Read More >>
The Trump White House submitted to Congress a budget request for the next year. His budget includes huge cuts to Medicaid that could mean that about 10 million people would lose insurance over the next 10 years. It also cuts the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), graduate medical education, nurse workforce development and other parts of the safety net. ... Read More >>
Governor Inslee appointed Michael Sieg, Director of Pharmacy Services at Confluence Health, to serve on the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. Michael will bring a wealth of new ideas and innovative approaches to the commission, and his appointment expands hospitals’ representation and ensures rural perspectives are considered. WSHA advocated for Michael’s appointment.... Read More >>
Last week, more than a dozen hospital executives traveled with Cassie, Claudia, Chelene, Wendy and I to Washington, D.C., for the American Hospital Association Annual Meeting. This is a terrific opportunity for WSHA staff and members to travel back east and connect with our peers and with elected officials. We were fortunate to spend time with members of Congress, who all gave us thoughtful time and attention. They are eager to stay connected to Washington State, and visitors from home are always welcome.... Read More >>
