Committee approves motion to move rare disease council bill to appropriations
Shawna De La Rosa | Jan 19, 2021 | Virginia
The Health, Welfare and Institutions committee voted Tuesday to report and refer to appropriations a bill that will create a rare disease advisory council. Delegate Kathleen Murphy sponsored HB 1995, sharing that her daughter has cystic fibrosis and the costs associated with rare diseases can be financially challenging.
Leadership in a time of uncertainty with health care leaders
Sydney Kurle | Jan 19, 2021 | Washington
From PPE shortages, the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages and wildfires, 2020 has thrown as many curveballs as it could to the health care industry in Washington. Gary Caplan, CEO of Virginia Mason, Ketul Patel, CEO of CHI Franciscan and Beth Johnson, CEO of Coordinated Care, joined us as the final
North Carolina hospitals awarded $2.8 million in grants
Mansur Shaheen | Jan 19, 2021 | North Carolina
The North Carolina Healthcare Association distributed $2.8 million in grants to 21 hospitals across the state in December. The funds are intended to be used to support hospitals and front-line workers who have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds were given to hospitals that have the greatest ability to alleviate
Illinois "surge staffing" program allows relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions across state
Mansur Shaheen | Jan 19, 2021
Illinois health officials have adjusted the impact hospital bed availability has on COVID-19 restrictions for each region in the state. The change will allow many counties in the state to relax their restrictions. The change comes after Illinois launched a “surge staffing” program. The program allows for the state to
Michigan records first case of new COVID-19 strain
Mansur Shaheen | Jan 19, 2021
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed on Saturday that they had identified a case of the COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7. in Washtenaw County. The variant, which was first identified in the United Kingdom earlier this month, is more contagious than the strain that has caused many cases
Polis is working to administer every available vaccine dose, despite supply constraints
Eli Kirshbaum | Jan 19, 2021 | Colorado
Colorado estimates one out of every 105 of its residents has COVID-19, Gov. Jared Polis said in a COVID-19 update on Denver 7 News. Polis repeatedly stressed the constraining effects of vaccine supply uncertainties, saying the state’s proactive distribution is limited by its weekly supply from the federal government. Over
5 Things California: Budget blueprint, Revised CalAIM proposal, The silent epidemic
DJ Wilson | Jan 19, 2021 | California
If you understand the unique character of our republican democracy, you can find calm in this anxious time. Tomorrow, Joe Biden will be inaugurated President of the United States. He may not have been your candidate. That disappointment is a luxury of being in a democracy. The orderly transfer of
Legislators discuss their 2021 session health care priorities
Sydney Kurle | Jan 19, 2021 | Oregon
Health equity, the COVID-19 response, behavioral health and universal health care were on legislator’s minds as they gathered on a panel hosted by the Oregon Health Forum (OHF) on Monday. The legislators, which included Rep. Rachel Prusak, Sen. Deb Patterson, Rep. Cedric Hayden, Rep. Maxine Dexter and Rep. Rob Nosse,
Governor Abbott appoints DeLoach and Johnson to Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services
Office of Gov. Greg Abbott | Jan 19, 2021 | Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed James M. “Mike” DeLoach and appointed Della Johnson to the Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services, known as GETAC for a terms set to expire on January 1, 2026. The council recommends changes to the EMS/Trauma System in order to ensure that the community receives
Ducey's budget proposal makes "historic" investment in public health
Eli Kirshbaum | Jan 18, 2021 | Arizona
Governor Doug Ducey released his proposed budget for FY 2022 on Friday, which directs significant funding to Arizona’s COVID-19 response and education. The budget also promises $200 million in tax relief for Arizonans — a move generating disapproval from some legislators who want to see that money go toward public
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