News

Senate Bill 6558 is a top priority for WSHA this session, and it would provide direction to the state Pharmacy Commission and Department of Health on how to implement current law (SB 5460) about pharmacy services and licensing. Although SB 5460 was enacted last year, it has not yet been implemented. This would allow hospitals an efficient way to license their clinics and transfer essential medications to them.... Read More >>

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and OneHealthPort will provide an overview of Washington Link4Health, an HCA initiative to advance the statewide electronic exchange of clinical records. HCA is working with OneHealthPort, the designated statewide health information exchange, to introduce Washington Link4Health’s first statewide service. The one‑hour webcast will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2016, noon to 1 p.m. ... Read More >>

On January 20, House Bill 2447 Emergency Balance Billing was heard by the House Health Care & Wellness Committee. The bill, requested by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, is intended to protect patients from unexpected charges in cases where they receive emergency care at a hospital that is contracted with their health insurer, but not all physicians providing professional services are contracted with that plan.... Read More >>

As reported in a recent WSHA bulletin, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has agreed to increase inpatient rates for the next quarter by about 18 percent. This restores errors it made to the budget neutrality adjustment factor (BNAF) rates during the last two quarters for Prospective Payment System hospitals and Certified Public Expenditure hospitals.... Read More >>

WSHA testified this week in support of House Bill 2730 in Olympia, which expands access to the Prescription Monitoring Program, making it easier for providers to prevent opioid abuse. The Washington State Legislature has also heard several hearings on how to improve Western State Hospital. Western State Hospital plays a critical role in the state’s mental health system, and WSHA firmly believes we need Western State Hospital to function well and play its part in the system.... Read More >>

Working with WSHA, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has agreed to increase inpatient Medicaid rates for the next quarter by about 18 percent in order to restore cutting rates during the last two quarters. Hospitals should have started receiving notices of the change Jan. 14 or 15 informing them of change, which takes effect Feb. 1.... Read More >>

The open enrollment deadline for insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is Sunday, Jan. 31. Those who sign up by the deadline will be insured as of March 1, avoiding costly penalties in time for tax season.... Read More >>

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) received about 175 global waiver proposals to transform Medicaid. Proposals can be grouped into categories, including behavioral health, care coordination for high utilizer follow-up to chronic care, family planning and pregnancy, chronic conditions, value-based purchasing; telemedicine, housing and social supports, dental care, and end-of-life planning. Click here to view the HCA’s website listing the received proposals.... Read More >>

The Bree Collaborative — a group appointed by the governor representing clinical leaders from purchasers, providers and state agencies — released its latest draft report and recommendations on improvements in oncology care. The report has two primary focus areas: That all clinics follow the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Choosing Wisely recommendations for use of advanced imaging for low-risk breast and prostate cancer, and that palliative care be offered alongside active anti-cancer care, as needed.... Read More >>

We are very thankful for everyone who came down to testify! Your testimony is essential for helping legislators and the public to understand the real impact of proposed legislation.... Read More >>