News

On April 24, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed federal fiscal year (FFY) 2019 payment rule for Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) hospitals... Read More >>

Presentation slides are available from the SFY 2015 Disproportional Share Hospital (DSH) audit training webcast provided by Myers and Stauffer on April 24, 2018.... Read More >>

The Health Care Authority recently posted updated versions of its Medicaid billing guides for hospital and physician related services. ... Read More >>

On April 27, the Department of Health (DOH) released a policy statement on naloxone (opioid overdose medication) distribution from hospital emergency departments. The policy clarifies state law and affirms that hospital emergency departments are authorized to distribute the medication. The policy is in alignment with federal announcements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Surgeon General encouraging expanded access to naloxone.... Read More >>

n an effort to expand access to treatment, the Washington State Department of Health and the American Society of Addiction Medicine have sponsored courses to help providers become waivered to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence and opioid use disorder. The next course is May 25 in Olympia. ... Read More >>

Members of all hospitals across the state are invited to attend the "Community benefit and healthy food: Washington roundtable" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 12 at Swedish Cherry Hill in Seattle.... Read More >>

The Washington Employment Security Department is hosting focus groups to help determine the name of Washington State’s new paid family and medical leave law. There is still space available in Spanish-speaking virtual sessions for both employees and employers on Monday, April 30.... Read More >>

WSHA and WSMA recently partnered to send a letter to Sen. Patty Murray with comments on the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. ... Read More >>

The Washington State Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling in Chavez v. Our Lady of Lourdes, certifying class action against Lourdes Medical Center for lost wages due to do missed nurse rest breaks. WSHA submitted an amicus brief in support of the hospital’s position, and the precedent the case sets is concerning for all Washington hospitals.... Read More >>

WSHA and the AHA strongly recommend hospitals impacted by the 340B cuts take steps to preserve their right to the prior payment level by appealing claims.... Read More >>