Five organizations that represent Washington State's largest health care delivery systems, physicians and providers are stating their opposition to the American Health Care Act. The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers (WACMHC), and the Community Health Network of Washington (CHNW), along with its subsidiary non-profit managed care company, Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), are calling on Congress to reject the House proposal that puts their patients at risk. Collectively, these groups represent 107 hospitals, 267 clinics, 10,000 physicians and other providers, 315,000 members, and more than 17 million patient visits a year statewide.... Read More >>

Although thousands of people in Washington have recently gained access to health coverage with Medicaid expansion, many families still struggle with large hospital bills as a result of significant injuries and illnesses. State law requires all hospitals provide charity care to help eliminate or reduce those hospital bills. Recently, patient advocates alerted lawmakers and the state hospital association to a stumbling block— patients were confused about the availability of charity care and the forms used to determine if a patient qualifies.... Read More >>

During this year’s budget-writing legislative session, WSHA will be focused on preserving access to care for the more than 700,000 people who received coverage, as well as ensuring that safety net health care programs are meeting the needs of our communities. Continuing the work of the last several years, WSHA will be actively supporting legislation to improve the state’s mental health system.... 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 >>

SEATTLE – Gregg Davidson, who served Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Health for 37 years, was awarded the prestigious Joe Hopkins Memorial Award for outstanding leadership by the Washington State Hospital Association in Seattle on October 14.... Read More >>

The Washington State Hospital Association honored hospitals with awards recognizing their efforts to achieve high quality care and demonstrate community health leadership during the association’s annual meeting on Oct. 14, 2016, at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. The Achieving Best Care award and Community Health Leadership award are among the association’s highest honors awarded to health care organizations in Washington state.... Read More >>

The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) announced today their support of Gov. Jay Inslee’s executive order aimed at ending the opioid crisis in Washington state.... Read More >>

The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) has been selected as one of 16 national, regional, or state hospital associations; Quality Improvement Organizations; and health system organizations to continue efforts in reducing preventable hospital-acquired conditions and readmissions. The Hospital Improvement Innovation Network contracts were awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to build upon the collective momentum of the Hospital Engagement Networks and Quality Improvement Organizations to reduce patient harm and readmissions.... Read More >>

The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) announced today that Cassie Sauer, the association’s current executive vice president,will in January become the organization’s new chief executive officer. ... Read More >>

The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) and the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) announced today the launch of a joint task force to develop solutions to address the growing opioid epidemic, with an eye towards ways physicians and hospitals can play a more active role in tackling this issue.... Read More >>