News

Washington state has an opportunity in 2021 to join the Nurse Licensure Compact, which is a 34-state partnership that allows nurses to practice across state lines... Read More >>

Washington Hospital Services’ Health Care Quality Service (WHS-HQS) is pleased to announce that they now offer pre-survey inspections to assist hospitals in preparing for the clinical quality component of DOH surveys.... Read More >>

On Jan. 15, the state legislature passed Concurrent Resolution 8402 to extend waivers of key state law until the termination of the declared state of emergency or until the waivers are rescinded by gubernatorial or legislative action.... Read More >>

The US Department of Health and Human Services has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) amending the HIPAA Privacy Rule, the federal law governing health care privacy and confidentiality.... Read More >>

This week WSHA will be addressing major legislation related to telemedicine, emergency waivers, Certificate of Need waivers for psychiatric hospitals and worker benefits... Read More >>

The session is off to a quick start, and WSHA will be addressing the following major legislation this week.... Read More >>

WSHA issued a new bulletin about two important changes to Washington State’s telemedicine laws. As of Jan. 1, 2021, Washington State’s telemedicine payment parity law is in full effect, which means payment for telemedicine services must be at the same rate as if the health care service were provided in person.... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide psychiatric hospitals and acute care hospitals with inpatient behavioral health programs or that accept Single Bed Certification guidance on when they may disclose information related to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to a patient’s family and other close relations without the patient’s consent.... Read More >>

Hearings and most voting will be held virtually this year due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform hospitals about two important changes to Washington State’s telemedicine laws. Washington State’s telemedicine payment parity law is in full effect as of January 1, 2021. Washington State’s mandatory telemedicine training for most health care professionals is now available and must be completed by June 30, 2021.... Read More >>