News

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) released a report of arbitration proceedings and results for 2020 under the state’s Balance Billing Protection Act (BBPA). ... Read More >>

The COVID-19 pandemic created a significant demand for medical and family leave by workers throughout Washington state. This created opportunities for the Washington State Legislature to enact legislation that modifies and expands access to the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. ... Read More >>

The COVID-19 pandemic created a significant demand for medical and family leave by workers throughout Washington State.... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform hospitals about legislative changes made during the 2021 session to the Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program.... Read More >>

This bulletin informs hospitals of two recent developments related to behavioral health services: 1. The Department of Health (DOH) final rules for Behavioral Health Agencies (including hospitals) go into effect on July 1, 2021, but DOH is planning a 6-month grace period to allow BHAs time to implement the changes. Surveyors will not issue citations for noncompliance until January 1, 2022. 2. A DOH interpretive statement for release of voluntary patients from inpatient behavioral health settings. ... Read More >>

In response to stakeholder feedback, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) issued a proposal to change its professional licensure renewal cycle from one year to two years... Read More >>

Today, President Biden will sign the federal legislation commemorating Juneteenth as a national holiday. ... Read More >>

June 30 is the deadline for most health care professionals who provide telehealth services to complete Washington State’s mandatory telehealth training. Telehealth practitioners can enroll online to complete the free training.... Read More >>

In 2020, the Washington State Legislature passed legislation to modernize the state’s physician assistant (PA) laws.... Read More >>

The Washington State Hospital Association is celebrating the United States Supreme Court’s rejection today of the third major challenge to the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).... Read More >>