News

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an overview of key changes to Washington’s civil commitment statues for adults and minors under 2E2SSB 5720. The omnibus bill amends RCW 71.05, the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) and RCW 71.34, Behavioral Health Services for Minors. Key changes include expanding the initial detention period from 3 days to 5 days, expanding patients’ rights, modifying ITA processes, and making important definitional changes. Except for the 5-day detention change and the definitions changes expanding detention criteria, these changes are effective June 11, 2020.... Read More >>

On May 18, 2020 Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20.24.1, which provides updated direction on expansion of non-urgent medical and dental procedures.... Read More >>

This webinar, presented by WSHA’s Taya Briley and Zosia Stanley, will outline “charity care” and hospital obligations, help you understand legal, financial and reputational considerations and consider implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.... Read More >>

The Washington State Department of Commerce announced $23.8 million in grants to support behavioral health care providers.... Read More >>

On April 7, WSHA urged the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) to use the increase in the federal match rate from new COVID laws to increase payments to hospitals and providers caring for COVID-19 Medicaid patients. ... Read More >>

WSHA launched a statewide “Need Care? Get Care” media campaign aimed at addressing the top two barriers to care – fear of catching COVID-19 and concern that providers are too busy with COVID-19 patients to take care of them. ... Read More >>

On Monday, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation allowing resumption of non-urgent procedures. ... Read More >>

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently provided an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions regarding CARES act funding and related attestation requirements. ... Read More >>

The Washington Healthcare Forum COVID-19 Work Group is compiling provider questions along with answers from commercial plans and Medicaid, including Medicaid managed care. ... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide hospitals and health systems with resources to ensure effective communication between the facility and individuals, including patients, people eligible to become patients, and their companions who have limited English proficiency (LEP) and/or who have communication disabilities, such as being blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. ... Read More >>