News

On November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that increases Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system rates by a net 2.0% in calendar year 2022 compared to 2021. ... Read More >>

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is seeking stakeholder input on how to make its provider billing guides and fee schedules more user friendly. ... Read More >>

A recent extension of the federal public health emergency through January 14, 2022, will continue to provide much needed help for the state, hospitals and providers, and patients during the COVID emergency. ... Read More >>

Chapter 49.62 RCW requires the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to establish annual enforceability thresholds for noncompetition agreements between employers and their employees and/or independent contractors. ... Read More >>

Washington is currently working to redesign the crisis system throughout the state and for the implementation of 988 – a national behavioral health crisis line to connect individuals and families in crisis with the help and support they need.   ... Read More >>

During its regular 2021 session, the 67th Washington State Legislature passed two bills regarding the production or purchasing, distribution and access of pharmaceuticals. Senate Bill 5195 directs the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) to establish a bulk purchasing and distribution program for “opioid overdose reversal medication” (2SSB 5195.SL).... Read More >>

This bulletin informs hospitals about behavioral health policy bills and budget items that passed with the assistance of WSHA’s advocacy during the 2021 legislative session. ... Read More >>

Last week, we asked our members to participate in a statewide survey about their staff vaccination rates following the Oct. 4 cut-off to be vaccinated ahead of the Oct. 18 deadline.... Read More >>

The Washington State Department of Commerce received appropriations in the 2021-2023 capital budget to support the expansion of community behavioral health services in communities across the state.... Read More >>

The application portal for $17 billion in provider relief funds (PRF) Phase 4 and $8.5 billion in Rural ARPA funding opened September 29 with an application deadline of October 26. ... Read More >>