A new mental health program for children that is tailored to meet the unique needs of families in each geographical region in Washington is expanding throughout the state. Program managers discussed Kids Mental Health Washington (KMHWA) during a webinar last week. Gina Cabiddu, program coordinator for KMHWA’s Pierce County program, said youth mental health incidents … Read more
We hosted our 2022 Inland Northwest State of Reform Health Policy Conference recently, bringing together thought leaders, legislators, and policy experts into multi-silo conversations about the future of health care in Washington. Too often, those with good ideas for reforming health care don’t have a solid understanding of how the legislative process works. … Read more
A bill that would allow registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to administer opioid overdose reversal medication like naloxone in emergency rooms had a public hearing on Feb. 15. The bill, HB 1761, was sponsored by Reps. Joe Schmick and Jessica Bateman. While it’s largely a technical fix, it could have significant implications in emergency room … Read more
A proposed minimum staffing level bill for hospitals was heard today in the Washington State House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. The bill would move oversight of staffing committee statutes from the Department of Health, where it currently resides, to the Department of Labor and Industries. It would also increase the daily penalty for noncompliance … Read more
Dr. Francis Mercado is the associate chief medical officer of primary care for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. State of Reform spoke with him to discuss deferred care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact it has on both patients and health care systems. Aaron Kunkler: How is deferred care impacting health care … Read more
Today, three Washington unions representing nurses announced a campaign to push state lawmakers to pass safe staffing level legislation during the 2022 session. The campaign, called WA Safe + Healthy, was created by a coalition encompassing the Washington State Nurses Association, UFCW 21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, which collectively represent 71,000 health care workers in … Read more
A Republican state senator has proposed a bill that would exempt fentanyl testing equipment from being defined as drug paraphernalia. The bill, SB 5509, is being sponsored by Sen. Jim Honeyford (R-Sunnyside), and was filed this week for consideration in the 2022 session. At the same time, he’s also working on legislation that would enact … Read more
As we get closer and closer to the 2022 Washington State of Reform Health Policy Conference I wanted to take a moment to explain our choice to return to in-person events. I don’t believe that we are putting people at risk. In fact, I think we are providing a unique benefit that will help people. … Read more
Levels of COVID transmission in Washington State have been declining since early September, but levels are still high, leading health officials to predict hospital rates will continue to be elevated moving into winter. The state Department of Health released a transmission report this week, which tracked data on transmission, hospitalizations, and cases through Oct. 8. … Read more
Representative Jacquelin Maycumber has served Washington’s 7th Legislative District — which includes Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, and parts of Okanogan and Spokane Counties — since 2017. Maycumber serves on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. In this Q&A, Maycumber discusses health care initiatives she looks forward to implementing and advocating for, as … Read more