Adding patient and family engagement education to your hospital’s fall prevention bundle can help reduce fall rates in the acute care setting. Not only does this mean a better outcome for your patient, but also a savings for your hospital. Studies show that accidental falls in acute care settings have resulted in serious injuries to patients, to the extent that the Joint Commission has labelled fall-related sentinel events as a priority initiative (National Patient Safety Goal 9 -NPSG 9).... Read More >>

Mark your calendar for WSHA’s Annual Member Meeting at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. This year’s meeting will be on Thursday, October 12, with the annual Governance Education day to follow on Friday, October 13. Registration for both events will open on Tuesday, September 5. WSHA’s hotel room block is now open and you can make your reservation at WSHA’s group rate online.... Read More >>

If I attest successfully in the Medicaid EHR Incentive program for 2017, do I still need to participate in the QPP to avoid negative payment adjustments to my Medicare Part B allowed charges in 2019? If one eligible clinician (EC) in the group must meet the base score requirements for the Advancing Care Information (ACI) category, do all members of the group have to meet all of the measures for ACI, or will it suffice if only one EC in the group meets the ACI requirements?... Read More >>

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recently released the first Maternal Mortality Review Panel (MMRP) report outlining recommendations to reduce maternal mortality and improve care for women across the state. The MMRP was created through legislation to complete a formal review of maternal deaths in Washington State for 2014 and 2015, and “to identify factors associated with those deaths and make recommendations for system changes to improve health care services for women in this state.”... Read More >>

Molina Healthcare is accepting nominations for its Community Champions Award, and nominations are due this Saturday, August 26. Community Champions is Molina’s most distinguished volunteer recognition event, honoring the unsung heroes that work selflessly in the community and inspire others through their extraordinary services.... Read More >>

WSHA, as part of the Washington Healthcare Forum, expressed concerns in a letter about a recent proposal from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to issue new rules on the practice of goldcarding. Goldcarding, which allows for an expedited prior authorization process, reduces administrative costs for hospitals and plans, and reduces hassles and wait times for patients. WSHA and other members of the Forum are concerned rulemaking could create a restrictive regulatory framework that would discourage the development of such innovative arrangements.... Read More >>

In addition to providing 24/7 emergency hotline services for the public and health care providers regarding potential toxic exposures, the Washington Poison Center has an active health care provider education program. By becoming a partner in its Hospital Fair Share program, your hospital supports the core emergency services of the poison center, and it also allows the center to provide immediate consultations from board-certified clinical toxicologists to your health care providers as well as information regarding antivenom administration and other specialized poisoning treatments.... Read More >>

Recent member news from the August 24, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

The summary is being printed and mailed as we speak, but you don't need to wait to read the electronic copy. The summary is 20 pages and includes state policy and budget issues for both WSHA and AWPHD.... Read More >>

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has awarded Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn its 2016 Grassroots Champion award for his health care advocacy and for fostering support for candidates for public office who are champions for health care. The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) recognized Glenn for the achievement at its 41st Annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference in Chelan, Wash., June 27.... Read More >>