The 2017 Washington regular legislative session officially adjourned on Sunday, April 23rd. However, Governor Jay Inslee immediately called the Legislature back into special session to negotiate a solution to the 2017-2019 operating budget. The House and Senate remain far apart on the total spending amount and funding mechanisms for the budget.... Read More >>
The state House and Senate capital budgets contain major investments for community projects to increase access to mental health services across the care continuum. WSHA is very pleased to see these funding levels that will help spur new services for some of the most complex patients. ... Read More >>
The Health Care Authority is committed to moving forward with a push on value-based purchasing, including implementing payment bundles for its state employee program and possible for Medicaid. Now is the time to provide feedback to the HCA as it considers where the program should head in the future. ... Read More >>
The nine Accountable Communities of Health are in the process of designing and selecting projects this summer related to the Healthier Washington Demonstration, with applications to be submitted by September. Over the next five years, the state Health Care Authority will be distributing up to $1.1 billion through the Heathier Washington demonstration.... Read More >>
Washington State Health Care Authority Director Dorothy Teeter announced on April 26 her plan to leave the Health Care Authority on June 30, after leading the agency since 2013.... Read More >>
The 2017 Washington State regular legislative session officially adjourned April 23. However, Governor Inslee immediately called the legislature back into special session to negotiate a solution to the 2017-2019 operating budget. The House and Senate remain far apart on the total spending amount and funding mechanisms for the budget.... Read More >>
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced April 19 that as of this month, more than 204,000 Washington Healthplanfinder customers have enrolled in a 2017 Qualified Health Plan during the most recent open enrollment period, marking a 23 percent jump from the previous year.... Read More >>
The state House and Senate capital budgets contain major investments for community projects to increase access to mental health services across the care continuum. WSHA is very pleased to see these funding levels that will help spur new services for some of the most complex patients. Both budgets also provide funding for the addition or expansion of dental chairs to certain provider clinics. Dental problems, like mental health, are a top reason why people visit the emergency department.... Read More >>
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently released rulemaking proposals related to forensic blood draws by medical assistants and requirements and fees for registration for “blood establishments” in Washington State. The newly proposed medical assistant rules state that certain medical assistants may perform “forensic blood draws,” subject to supervision, delegation and practice standards.... Read More >>
Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner Cordant Health Solutions launched a free drug take-back program in 2016, which they developed to support Washington communities in addressing the opioid crisis. Recognizing the merit of the program, Cordant decided to make it a standard offering in all the states in which it does business.... Read More >>
