News

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) will host the event “I to We” at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98105, from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, October 2. The DBSA's I to We campaign seeks shift the focus from “I to We,” from illness to wellness, from isolation and fear to a welcoming community of support, and from individual views to powerful, collective voices.... Read More >>

The Bree Collaborative — a group of Governor-appointed clinical leaders from health care purchasers, hospitals, providers and state agencies — released its latest draft report and recommendations on bundled payment for bariatric surgical care. The bundle includes both quality standards and clinical components in four cycles: disability due to obesity despite non-surgical therapy, fitness for surgery, bariatric surgical procedure, and post-operative care and return to function.... Read More >>

The Washington Hospital Political Action Committee is an important way for hospital and health system leaders to elect champions and engage with elected officials. Each year, we invite PAC donors who contribute $350 or more to a fun evening to show our appreciation, and this year we’re excited to welcome guests to dinner on the 76th floor of the Columbia Tower, where 360-degree panoramic views show off breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.... Read More >>

The Washington State Department of Health Certificate of Need program has issued a notice of rulemaking to require a certificate of need for the addition of operating rooms at an existing ambulatory surgical facility (ASF). The proposed change classifies the expansion of the number of operating rooms at an ASF as “the construction, development, or other establishment of a new health care facility.” We encourage hospitals interested in this topic to engage in this rulemaking process. ... Read More >>

The 2016 WHPAC campaign continues! We are more than half way to our $220,000 goal, having raised $130,000 to date. Members who have met their PAC goal will be recognized during the annual meeting. Please get your contributions in by Oct. 4 to meet the print deadline.... Read More >>

I recently had the opportunity to join a Washington State delegation to Cuba on a health care fact-finding and exchange mission. Led by the lieutenant governor and several members of the Senate Health Care Committee, it was a fascinating trip. The Cubans are excited about the opportunity to renew ties and friendships with the United States, and we were warmly welcomed wherever we went.... Read More >>

Last week, I went “back-to-school”— to the September meeting of the American Hospital Association (AHA). John Flink, WSHA’s lobbyist, and I went to get some insight about what’s happening to hospitals and health systems at the federal level.... Read More >>

Along with the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts, health plans, the Service Employees International Union and other organizations, WSHA recently filed an amicus brief in the case Fortgang v. Woodland Park Zoological Society, as the case — being heard by the state Supreme Court — threatens to expand the state’s public records act to include private entities receiving state funding.... Read More >>

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its final rule for inpatient prospective payment system rates. Compared to a total of $2.12 billion in inpatient payments for 2016, Washington hospitals are estimated to receive $2.10 billion in 2017. The new rates begin with the new federal fiscal year, starting Oct. 1.... Read More >>

WSHA is in the process of preparing materials to help member hospitals meet federal observation notification requirements.... Read More >>