With the expert assistance of Pat Quigley, PhD, MPH, ARNP, CRRN, FAAN, FAANP — a national expert on falls with injury prevention — WSHA has developed several tools to help your hospital assess its effectiveness in preventing falls at the organizational and unit level, including a new and revised Safety Action Bundle, Gap Analysis and Strategic Planning. Falls disproportionally impact the older population, and with an aging inpatient hospital population, there is an increased risk for injurious falls and associated morbidity and mortality.... Read More >>

To date, the Washington Hospital Political Action Committee (WHPAC) has raised more than $86,000 toward our $225,000 goal. Though we are still early in the campaign, we have nine members that have already reached their goal.... Read More >>

The Pharmacy Commission on August 10 released emergency rules supporting the regulatory, inspection and investigation of pharmacy services provided in clinics owned and operated by a hospital. This emergency rule allows hospitals an additional option when determining how to license a clinic owned and operated by a hospital where drugs are transferred and stored. WSHA is pleased with these rules and has been advocating for this approach since 2015.... Read More >>

The University of Washington is offering an important new service: The University of Washington Perinatal Psychiatry Consultation Line (206-685-2924). It is a free phone consultation service for any health care provider in Washington State who has a question about a pregnant or postpartum woman with a mental health problem. The line is staffed by a perinatal psychiatrist from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. Providers can also leave a message at any time and staff will respond as soon as possible.... Read More >>

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule on the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The proposed changes are intended to simplify reporting requirements, ease eligibility requirements and provide more support to clinicians, especially small, independent and rural practices.... Read More >>

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange on August 15 announced the nine lead organizations chosen to oversee in-person assistance provided to Washington residents during the upcoming open enrollment period scheduled to begin on November 1. Among the organizations is WSHA member Wenatchee Valley Hospital.... Read More >>

Membership updates from the August 17, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

Recent member news from the August 17, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

The next cohort of LEAD Academy starts in less than a month and space is filling up! The next Seattle session will begin September 12 and will meet one day per month through November at the WSHA offices. Registration is now open and is limited to 30 participants.... Read More >>

A recent article in Forbes Magazine featured data from WHS Industry Partner Merritt Hawkins. The article delved into the most in-demand and highest-paying jobs for physicians. Merritt Hawkins reported the most searches for family physicians, psychiatrists, internists, OB/GYNs and hospitalists.... Read More >>