The calendar turns to 2017 and a new year begins. Undoubtedly your organization has big plans and expectations for the year ahead. As 2016 comes to close during this special season, I hope you find time to reflect on the accomplishments and many things that are positive and present in our world. As my tour with WSHA comes to an end, I am finding these reflections to be even more meaningful.... Read More >>

State and federal laws require hospitals to provide an array of notice and signage to patients, workforce members and the public. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has in recent months stepped up its enforcement of these types of requirements. Hospitals could be subject to significant penalties if found to be out of compliance.... Read More >>

Thanksgiving comes at a beautiful time in our state, with trees shedding the last of their auburn leaves and snow beginning to fall in the mountains. This year we are also a few weeks past the close of a tense election cycle that has divided many of our communities and calls into question the future of health care. This makes Thanksgiving 2016 a particularly important one.... Read More >>

In the wake of last week’s election, we have heard concerns from hospital leaders across the country about heated conversations and tense emotions among hospital and health care staff, and in waiting rooms among patients. Each of you might consider reminding your staff to not engage in polarizing conversations, and share with them tools for defusing heated conversations among patients.... Read More >>

Now that the election is complete, we must now focus on good governance. WSHA will continue to advocate for access to high quality health care for all through a vibrant and robust delivery system in our state and our nation.... Read More >>

Following a nationwide search, the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) announced today that it will welcome Chris Bandoli as its new senior vice president for policy and advocacy. Bandoli — who has been with Regence BlueShield since 2007, serving as director of government affairs for the last 5 years — will begin work with the association later this month, filling the spot previously held by Executive Vice President and incoming President and CEO Cassie Sauer.... Read More >>

Many times as a result of the success of WSHA in both Policy and Patient Safety, downstream work arises for our members. One of Washington Hospital Services’ roles is to provide a network of vetted Industry Partners that can support this work. WHS launched a blog exploring the ways in which we are able to leverage our business relationships to the benefit of our member hospitals.... Read More >>

Following a nationwide search, we are excited to welcome Chris Bandoli as our new senior vice president for policy and advocacy. Chris — who has served as the director of government affairs for Regence BlueShield since 2007 — will begin his work at WSHA later this month, filling the spot previously held by Executive Vice President and incoming President and CEO Cassie Sauer.... Read More >>

Increasing our state’s immunization rates is a key element of WSHA’s strategic plan, as it helps us build a healthier community for our state. Fortunately, WSHA is not alone in this work, and the first Washington Immunization Summit will be held April 26, 2017 at the Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.... Read More >>

We in health care have known for a long time that different groups of people have different levels of health. The data has long been available, showing us that inequality persists in many areas, including race, ethnicity, age, language and sexual orientation.... Read More >>