Whidbey General Hospital officially made the switch to new name WhidbeyHealth June 13, and the health system celebrated the change with an unveiling of its new signage in front of medical center.... Read More >>

The 40th Annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference begins Monday at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan, and the final version of the agenda, including a printable brochure, is now available on the WSHA website! Registration closed on June 17, and we will once again have a full house for this year’s event.... Read More >>

In an op-ed published by the Seattle Times on Thursday, Cassie Sauer, WSHA's Executive Vice President, talks about the need for continued reform to our state's mental health system.... Read More >>

Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics joined together on June 1 as one, connected health care system to serve the needs of patients in Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties. Now — Skagit Regional Health which includes Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics — is leasing and operating Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics in a 30-year agreement. ... Read More >>

This week marked the official start of summer, and with that, we are just a few days away from heading out to the shores beautiful Lake Chelan for our 40th Annual Rural Hospital Leadership Conference at Campbell’s Resort! It may be hard to believe, but we’ve been holding this conference at Campbell’s Resort for all 40 years, as it grew from a tiny gathering into a large annual tradition.... Read More >>

Officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will travel to five WSHA member facilities on the Olympic Peninsula June 21-23, holding 90-minute opening listening and learning session to share current legislative initiatives and engage communities on current concerns. They will visit Jefferson Healthcare, Olympic Medical Center, Forks Community Hospital, Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Mason General Hospital.... Read More >>

Since becoming a critical access hospital in 2003, Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville has been caring for the residents in the rural communities of Stevens County, upper portions of Pend Oreille County and portions of Ferry County. This spring, it was named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association.... Read More >>

Newly-appointed Western State Hospital CEO Cheryl Strange is facing possible jail time for refusing to comply with a court order to admit a particular patient currently being served through single bed certification at a WSHA member hospital. Strange said she wouldn’t override the hospital’s waiting list, where other patients who are sicker have priority.... Read More >>

WSHA recently sent the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) a comment letter and recommendations in response to the OIC’s request for comments related to health plan prior authorizations, which are used to determine if medical procedures, services or medications will be covered by health insurance. The OIC is considering rulemaking to streamline the prior authorization process and make it easier for consumers and providers to get prior authorizations.... Read More >>

The Washington Health Care Authority is seeking to fill three vacancies on the Health Technology Clinical Committee. Qualified health professionals who use health technology in their scope of practice and who have experience with evidence-based medicine are encouraged to apply. The application process has been extended. Applications will now be accepted until 5pm on June 24. Click here for more information on the application process.... Read More >>