Often members of our communities have questions about health care or wellness, but they don’t know whom to ask. This is where Washington State’s hospitals and health systems come in, offering forums and resources to help the community stay informed and healthy. At PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor, this takes the form of a unique series of fireside chats connecting residents of the island community to health care experts... Read More >>

Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced January 9 a final contract that ensures the state can continue transforming health care to achieve better population health, reward high-quality care and curb health care costs.... Read More >>

For the last year, the state Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has been working to revise its administrative policy on rest breaks for all non-exempt employees. WSHA, as well as the business community at large, opposes the latest draft policy that essentially eliminates the ability to interrupt a rest break. The draft policy also introduces new confusing obligations for an employer to provide rest breaks. ... Read More >>

Mark your calendar now for the 41st Annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference June 25-28 at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan! Registration will open this spring, but don’t wait to book your room!... Read More >>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that January is National Birth Defects Prevention month, and this year’s focus is “Prevent Infections for Baby’s Protection.” The CDC’s announcement states, “Birth defects are common, costly and critical, and they affect one in 33 U.S. babies annually.”... Read More >>

Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell spoke on the Senate floor January 9, urging protection of the expanded health care coverage provided by the Affordable Care Act. She also called for a replacement to the law to coincide with a repeal.... Read More >>

Membership update from the January 12, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

Recent member news from the January 12, 2017 Weekly Report.... Read More >>

Industry Partner Cordant Health Solutions is suggesting that establishing specialized controlled substances pharmacies provides a better solution to help prevent medication abuse and assure that legitimate pain patients will continue to receive the medication they need.... Read More >>

Next Tuesday at noon we will host our annual legislative kickoff webcast. This is a great opportunity to close the office door, have a sandwich and get your questions about the session answered. Not all questions — we don’t have a crystal ball — but we will talk about the political dynamics, our top priorities and how WSHA members can help tell the story.... Read More >>