News

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 >>

On September 30, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury (collectively the Departments), along with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), released its second interim final rule (IFR) entitled “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part II.”... Read More >>

Effective for services on or after October 1, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) increased the Medicaid professional fee schedule amounts for designated behavioral health, primary care, and pediatric critical care services.... Read More >>

The 2021-23 state operating budget also included a two percent increase for all services paid through the behavioral health portion of the managed care capitation rates. ... Read More >>

WSHA’s Government Affairs team recently published an update to its Top Priority State Rules Tracker, which shows the highest-priority ongoing state rulemaking activities impacting hospitals and health systems as part of its State Regulatory Issues webpage.... Read More >>