Washington set to join Nurse Licensure Compact to boost workforce, although some nurses say they haven’t seen supplementation following their state’s inclusion
Shane Ersland | Apr 14, 2023 | Washington
What They're Watching: Former Sen. David Frockt, Washington Legislature
Eli Kirshbaum | Apr 11, 2023 | Washington
What They're Watching: Sue Birch, Washington State Health Care Authority
Eli Kirshbaum | Apr 11, 2023 | Washington
Whole Washington looks to strengthen relationships with legislators, state commission in pursuit of universal healthcare
Shane Ersland | Apr 7, 2023 | Washington
Whole Washington, a grassroots organization advocating for a universal healthcare system in the state, is exploring several pathways to work with legislators in moving closer to their goal, and could make further progress with a joint memorial that is moving through the legislature. Sen. Bob Hasegawa’s (D-Seattle) Senate Joint Memorial
What They're Watching: Tom Sebastian, Compass Health
Eli Kirshbaum | Apr 6, 2023 | Washington
For Tom Sebastian, president and CEO of Compass Health, the number one issue facing Washington healthcare is the behavioral health workforce shortage. He noted that three-quarters of Washington's providers are placing some form of limitations on care due to these shortages. During a recent "What They're Watching" interview, he discussed
Legislation would petition federal government to allow Washington’s creation of a universal healthcare system
Shane Ersland | Mar 27, 2023 | Washington
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle) would petition President Joe Biden to create a federal universal healthcare system or allow Washington to create its own. Members of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee discussed Senate Joint Memorial 8006 during a public hearing on Friday. The bill
Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is WSMA’s top legislative priority
Shane Ersland | Mar 23, 2023 | Washington
The Washington State Medical Association’s (WSMA) top priority this legislative session is to secure an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for professional healthcare services. The WSMA is requesting that legislators improve access to care for Washingtonians enrolled in Medicaid by supporting an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for
Families who lost loved ones to fentanyl implore lawmakers to legalize test strips in Washington
Shane Ersland | Mar 22, 2023 | Washington
House lawmakers heard tearful testimony on a bill that would legalize equipment used to test substances for fentanyl in Washington on Tuesday. This follows the Senate’s unanimous passage of the bill on March 7th. Members of the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee held a public hearing
Stakeholders debate Washington healthcare cost transparency bill
Shane Ersland | Mar 20, 2023 | Washington
Stakeholders debated a bill that aims to boost the role of the Washington State Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Health Care Cost Transparency Board on Friday. Members of the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care discussed House Bill 1508 during a public hearing. The bill would direct