The purpose of this bulletin is to inform hospitals that the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals will take effect in Washington state on October 31, 2020. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) adopted the EPA’s standards in new WAC 173-303-555 to provide clarity and ensure consistency between state and federal regulations. The EPA’s regulations first took effect August 21, 2019, and Ecology’s subsequent adoption may require modifications to your current dangerous waste management practices if your hospital is out of compliance with the federal standards.... Read More >>

The Washington Health Care Authority announced that it has finalized contracts with five carriers that will offer newly created Cascade Care public option plans, starting on January 1, 2021.... Read More >>

We encourage hospitals to contact their representatives, asking them to sign on to the “Dear Colleague” letter circulated by Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia. ... Read More >>

The Washington State Health Care Authority announced that eight Washington health plans have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to support and make good faith efforts to implement the state’s multi-payer primary care model.... Read More >>

October 5, WSHA submitted its final comments on the 2021 CMS Proposed Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rule.... Read More >>

Washington State’s minimum wage will increase to $13.69 per hour on January 1, 2021.... Read More >>

WSHA’s Government Affairs team has published its update to its State Regulatory Issues webpage.... Read More >>

WSHA’s Health Care Governance Education program invites you to join us for our upcoming courses.... Read More >>

DOH is granting an extension until Oct. 16, 2020 for health care profession licenses that are “in the renewal process.”... Read More >>

WSHA issued a policy bulletin to inform hospitals about the narrowed definition of “health care provider” as it applies to the employee leave exemptions in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).... Read More >>