News

It’s that time again! Open enrollment for the Exchange’s individual market runs November 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016. Washington’s hospitals play a key role in helping patients enroll in either the Health Benefit Exchange’s subsidized health plans or Apple Health, depending on the enrollee’s income. Individuals and families can access enrollment for either program through Washington’s Healthplanfinder portal. ... Read More >>

This bulletin is intended to inform you of important changes in Washington state law as a result of enactment of Senate Bill 5593. The bill addresses two issues related to care for people in law enforcement custody: guarding and payment. First, on guarding, the bill requires that when law enforcement accompanies patients who are in custody for a violent offense or a sex offense into the hospital, law enforcement must continue to accompany or secure the patient, except in certain situations. Second, on payment, it establishes a default payment rate for services that are the responsibility of the law enforcement jurisdiction (in the absence of a negotiated agreement between the hospital and the law enforcement jurisdiction).... Read More >>

Young professionals are confident in their choice to take on student loans because they are investing in their future. However, what most young professionals don’t consider are the implications associated with the disruption of income caused by an accident or illness that may delay or prevent their repayment.... Read More >>

Changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) — the law governing chemical safety in the workplace — have created critical new responsibilities for those who deliver health care in our country. ... Read More >>

Last week, the WSHA board voted to support the intent of the state’s Medicaid global waiver application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). WSHA submitted a letter of support to CMS.... Read More >>

WSHA has partnered with the state Health Care Authority and the Washington Community Mental Health Council to discuss information sharing among providers for patients with behavioral health conditions. ... Read More >>

WSHA will host a webcast from 12-1pm Thursday Oct. 15 to detail changes in state law stemming from Senate Bill 5593, which requires more extensive guarding of patients who are in custody for violent offenses, and outlines a payment structure for their care. The webinar will provide an overview of the key provisions of the bill and discuss the implications for hospitals and law enforcement entities.... Read More >>

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett teamed up with Sodexo and the nonprofit MALDEF to host a nutritional awareness event Sept. 26 for Latino families. A crowd of more than 60 attended the two-piece workshop to learn about health and nutrition, learning new recipes and sampling some tasty, healthy food. ... Read More >>

Join health care leaders and stakeholders on Friday, Oct. 30 for Improving Value in Health Care: The Choosing Wisely Summit, a day-long, in-depth forum focusing on ways to provide safer, higher-quality, value driven care to patients. ... Read More >>

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) gave its brand a makeover Oct. 6, unveiling a new look and a new tagline: “Better Together.” The new brand is designed to reiterate the strength the alliance offers patients in partnership with its three founding partners: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch), Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine.... Read More >>