News

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify the legal requirements for the use and disclosure of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records during the COVID-19 emergency.... Read More >>

This bulletin is to inform psychiatric hospitals (those licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW) about House Bill 2426, which increases the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) oversight and enforcement abilities of health care facilities. ... Read More >>

We are very pleased to report that the Washington Supreme Court issued an order regarding ITA hearings process during COVID-19 that largely reflects the order WSHA sought and that provides hospitals the flexibility for which the current emergency calls.... Read More >>

WSHA continues to hear from hospitals about the broad and devastating impacts on the health care system from COVID-19. ... Read More >>

Facing reduced state revenues and higher costs due to the (coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, on April 3 Governor Inslee used his line-item veto authority to reduce the 2020 supplemental operating budget passed by the legislature last month. ... Read More >>

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

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) is extending the current special enrollment period for individuals who are looking for health insurance coverage.... Read More >>

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that effective April 14, Medicare will increase the payment amount from the existing $51 amount to $100 for COVID-19 clinical diagnostic lab tests that can process more than 200 tests per day using sophisticated equipment. ... Read More >>

WSHA’s Government Affairs team has published its April 2020 update to its State Regulatory Issues webpage. ... Read More >>

The first round of the emergency funding, $30 billion nationally, from the CARES bill has been released to hospitals and physician groups.... Read More >>