News

WSHA testified this week in support of House Bill 2730 in Olympia, which expands access to the Prescription Monitoring Program, making it easier for providers to prevent opioid abuse. The Washington State Legislature has also heard several hearings on how to improve Western State Hospital. Western State Hospital plays a critical role in the state’s mental health system, and WSHA firmly believes we need Western State Hospital to function well and play its part in the system.... Read More >>

Working with WSHA, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has agreed to increase inpatient Medicaid rates for the next quarter by about 18 percent in order to restore cutting rates during the last two quarters. Hospitals should have started receiving notices of the change Jan. 14 or 15 informing them of change, which takes effect Feb. 1.... Read More >>

The open enrollment deadline for insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is Sunday, Jan. 31. Those who sign up by the deadline will be insured as of March 1, avoiding costly penalties in time for tax season.... Read More >>

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) received about 175 global waiver proposals to transform Medicaid. Proposals can be grouped into categories, including behavioral health, care coordination for high utilizer follow-up to chronic care, family planning and pregnancy, chronic conditions, value-based purchasing; telemedicine, housing and social supports, dental care, and end-of-life planning. Click here to view the HCA’s website listing the received proposals.... Read More >>

The Bree Collaborative — a group appointed by the governor representing clinical leaders from purchasers, providers and state agencies — released its latest draft report and recommendations on improvements in oncology care. The report has two primary focus areas: That all clinics follow the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Choosing Wisely recommendations for use of advanced imaging for low-risk breast and prostate cancer, and that palliative care be offered alongside active anti-cancer care, as needed.... Read More >>

We are very thankful for everyone who came down to testify! Your testimony is essential for helping legislators and the public to understand the real impact of proposed legislation.... Read More >>

A summary of the bills WSHA will testify on from Jan. 25-29... Read More >>

The King County Superior Court ruled last week that Initiative 1366 is unconstitutional. I-1366 — from Tim Eyman — would decrease the state sales tax by 1 percent in April if the legislature did not pass a constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority to raise taxes. The state sales tax loss would have taken $1.4 billion out of the state budget in its first year.... Read More >>

Frustrated by recent safety findings by the federal government and the decision to postpone the opening of new units, the state House and Senate have held several hearings to understand the plan for improving Western State Hospital. Legislation has been introduced to create a legislative oversight committee, and many questions are being raised about how to move forward.... Read More >>

This morning, the House Health Care & Wellness Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 2730, which expands access to the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to all licensed providers who can prescribe legend drugs, and making it easier for providers within hospitals to access PMP data. ... Read More >>