IHA Healthcare News

Get the healthcare news you need to stay on top of legislative proposals, industry trends and local issues. This section has news articles, IHA's Daily Briefing, IHA press releases and our Member News Spotlight. You can sort by category.

Featured News

Illinois and Missouri are neighbors, but worlds apart on abortion

Activists and concerned citizens across the country have been paying close attention to the ongoing changes to abortion laws in Missouri and Illinois in recent weeks. ABC News

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News Articles

Illinois nursing homes rank third worst in the country, nonprofit group says
  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois nursing homes rank third worst in the country, nonprofit group says

Illinois is the third worst state in the country for nursing home quality, according to a new report from an advocacy group. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois Abortion Law Guide: What does the Reproductive Health Act mean?

On June 12, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act into law, greatly expanding access to abortion in the state of Illinois. WLS TV 7

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Measles Outbreak: N.Y. Eliminates Religious Exemptions for Vaccinations

Lawmakers in New York, the epicenter of the nation’s measles outbreak, voted on Thursday to end religious exemptions for immunizations, overcoming opposition by vaccine skeptics. New York Times

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Bill to Address Healthcare Workplace Violence Moves Forward

From 2002 - 2013, healthcare workers were four times more likely to experience incidents of workplace violence that required days off to recover than workers in private industry. HealthLeaders Media

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

'The system is broken': These doctors practice a less pricey form of health care

In a country where citizens resort to crowdfunding to pay for medical bills and politicians can’t agree on the right healthcare system, a pair of doctors decided enough was enough. Yahoo Finance

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Higher health insurance deductibles a sickening trend for Americans

Filling a prescription for Lyrica, a medication that would ease her pain after back surgery, isn't within Robyn Hodgson's budget. CBS News

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Trump officials issue new rule aimed at expanding health choices for small businesses

The Trump administration unveiled a rule aimed at expanding health insurance options for small businesses and others, the latest stemming from President Trump’s health care executive order. The Hill

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  • Jun 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Hundreds weigh in on Chicago’s mental health crisis as city task force examines solutions

Kyana Butler was five months pregnant with her daughter when her fiance was shot. Chicago Sun-Times

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Thousands of cases of nursing home abuse go unreported

Nursing facilities failed to report thousands of serious cases of potential neglect and abuse of Medicare beneficiaries even though the federal government requires such reporting. Associated Press

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Senate Judiciary Committee plans markup of drug pricing bill this month

The Senate Judiciary Committee is planning a markup of legislation to lower drug prices this month, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the panel’s chairman, told The Hill on Wednesday. The Hill

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Drug Users Armed With Naloxone Double As Medics On Streets Of San Francisco

The man was out of his wheelchair and lay flat on his back just off San Francisco’s Market Street, waiting for the hypodermic needle to pierce his skin. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

The Worst Patients in the World

For years, the United States’ high health-care costs and poor outcomes have provoked hand-wringing, and rightly so: Every other high-income country in the world spends less. The Atlantic

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Why "sorry" is such a loaded word for doctors

Should doctors, specialists or surgeons apologize to patients if they think they've made a mistake that caused an injury? CBS News

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Why So Many Older Americans Rate Their Health As Good Or Even Excellent

A common myth about aging is that older adults are burdened by illness and feel lousy much of the time. In fact, the opposite is usually true. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

First major 'Medicare for All' hearing sharpens attacks on both sides

Supporters of “Medicare for All” notched a victory Wednesday when one of Congress’s most powerful committees debated the progressive proposal. The Hill

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Commentary: Focus on People, Not Pre-Existing Conditions

As Congress continues to focus on reviewing, revising or eliminating the Affordable Care Act, many patient advocacy organizations are fighting back. US News & World Report

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Advocate hospital system offering buyouts to management employees

Hospital system giant Advocate Aurora Health is offering early retirement buyouts to as many as 300 management employees, a little more than year after the system’s creation. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

New gene tests for germs quickly reveal source of infections

Doctors routinely use genetic tests to spot inherited diseases and guide cancer treatment. Associated Press

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  • Jun 13, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 13

CMS Edit Check for Outpatient Locations

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 13
  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

Mendoza: Illinois must ‘remain grounded’ amid big budget steps

With a fiscal year 2020 operating budget in place and a historic legislative session in the rearview mirror, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is “cautiously optimistic.” Capitol News Illinois

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

With Most States Under One Party’s Control, America Grows More Divided

When J.B. Pritzker took over as the governor of Illinois this year, Democratic lawmakers vowed that their party’s new grip on the State Capitol would bring immediate change. New York Times

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

Lt. Gov. Stratton on Ensuring ‘Springfield is Working for the People’

The just-completed spring legislative session produced a slew of initiatives championed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration, including the legalization of recreational marijuana. WTTW

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

U.S. death rates from suicides, alcohol and drug overdoses reach all-time high

Rates of deaths from suicides, drug overdoses and alcohol have reached an all-time high in the United States, but some states have been hit far harder than others. NBC News

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

American Medical Association: Let minors override parents' vaccination refusal

Members of the American Medical Association voted this week to support state policies that would allow minors to override their parent’s objections to vaccinations. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

Never Say ‘Die’: Why So Many Doctors Won’t Break Bad News

After nearly 40 years as an internist, Dr. Ron Naito knew what the sky-high results of his blood test meant. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

Trump's Medicare chief, in Chicago, slams 'Medicare for All' plan: 'We’re not going to see savings.'

As the nation inches closer to the 2020 presidential election, issues with the U.S. health care system are moving into the spotlight. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

Major doctors group votes to oppose single-payer health care

The nation's largest doctors group on Tuesday voted against a measure that would have dropped its decades-long opposition to single-payer health care proposals. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • News from the Web

Quorum Health Corporation Discontinues Inpatient Operations at a Hospital in Illinois

Quorum Health Corporation announced MetroSouth Medical Center, Blue Island, filed an application with the Illinois Health Facilities and Service Review Board to discontinue operations. Yahoo Finance

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Chicago couple famous for Rubschlager cocktail bread makes largest-ever donation to Rush

Chicago couple famous for selling “cocktail bread” is giving Rush its largest-ever donation, which will help fund a $450 million, 10-story outpatient care center on the West Side. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jun 12, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 12

U.S. House Holds Hearing on Surprise Medical Bills

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 12
  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

Health Matters: Hospital price transparency — what does it mean to you?

Hospitals must now publish the list online and update it annually. State Journal-Register

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

As Illinois expands gambling, it will also try to determine how many gambling addicts it has

Before he managed to kick his gambling habit in 2014, Chris, a 62-year-old lawyer and grandfather, saw a good chunk of his retirement account disappear. ProPublica Illinois/WBEZ

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

The Elderly Are Getting Complex Surgeries. Often It Doesn’t End Well.

People over 65 represent roughly 16 percent of the American population, but account for 40 percent of patients undergoing surgery in hospitals. New York Times

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

How Safe Is Sunscreen?

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the United States, affecting more than three million people each year. New York Times

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

California clears way to provide health care to some immigrants

Some low-income adults in California living in the country illegally will soon get their health benefits paid for by taxpayers. CBS News

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

Business leaders call for compromise on fair-workweek law

Business owners and associations this morning asked the city of Chicago to compromise on the proposed fair-workweek law, looking to preserve options for flexible scheduling. Crain’s Chicago Business

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

Mayor Signals Support For 'Fair Workweek' Measure

Chicago aldermen are still fine-tuning a proposed ordinance that aims to give low-wage employees more predictable schedules. WBBM News Radio

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

Nurses report patient safety concerns at University of Chicago Medical Center

Registered nurses at the University of Chicago Medical Center allege short staffing is causing treatment delays and jeopardizing patient safety. Crain’s Chicago Business

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • News from the Web

Chicago's hospital market fragmented at the top

Chicago by all accounts has a strong presence in healthcare, being home to a number of established systems, medical societies and trade associations. Modern Healthcare

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  • Jun 11, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 11

Committee Hears Pleas for Ordinance Exemption

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 11
  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois lurches left in legislative session

After four years of fiscal austerity and the pro-business, anti-union agenda of former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, Illinois lawmakers took a sharp turn to the left. Capitol News Illinois

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

FAQ: How Does New Trump Fetal Tissue Policy Impact Medical Research?

The announcement this week that the federal government is changing its policy on the use of human fetal tissue in medical research is designed to please anti-abortion groups. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

Mini-Biographies Help Clinicians Connect With Patients

Bob Hall was recovering from yet another surgery in March 2014 when a volunteer walked into his hospital room. Kaiser Health News/NPR

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

How to make the most of a discharge planning meeting

Have you ever attended a discharge planning meeting, either as a patient or family caregiver? Daily Herald

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

AMA opposes 'Medicare for All.' Students, nurses and activists want to change that

The American Medical Association is coming under increasing fire for opposing "Medicare for All." CNN

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

Business groups organize opposition to Lightfoot-backed ‘Fair Workweek’ ordinance

The battle over a resurrected ordinance that would force employers to give their workers two weeks notice of their schedules by 2020 in an effort to reduce the stress.The Daily Line

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

Chicagoland Chamber CEO opposes $15 minimum wage, demands changes to scheduling ordinance

The CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce on Friday declared opposition to the city’s accelerated plan for a $15-an-hour minimum wage. Chicago Sun-Times

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

Rahm Emanuel closed half of Chicago's mental health clinics. What was the impact?

Few issues in recent Chicago history have been as contentious as former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s decision to close half the city’s mental health clinics. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • News from the Web

How Measles Detectives Work To Contain An Outbreak

On any given day, more than 4,000 people pass through the library at California State University-Los Angeles. On April 11, one of them had measles. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jun 10, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 10

IHA Pushes for Hospital Fair Workweek Exemption

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 10
  • Jun 07, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 7

HFS Delays ORP Requirement to Oct. 1

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 7
  • Jun 06, 2019
  • News from the Web

IHA Daily Briefing: June 6

Gov. Pritzker Signs Budget, Fair Tax Bills

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 6
  • Jun 05, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 5

Exclude Chicago Hospitals from Scheduling Ordinance

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 5
  • Jun 04, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Chicago hospital using martial arts to treat Parkinson's disease

We all know karate is a martial arts discipline that is also a great form of exercise. But what about using it as a treatment for a debilitating disease? Fox 32 TV

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  • Jun 04, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 4

U.S. Committee Considers Healthcare Extenders

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 4
  • Jun 03, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

SSM Health launches virtual health care visits, convenient and affordable

SSM Health has launched a new web-based diagnosis and treatment service. WPSD TV

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  • Jun 03, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: June 3

IHA Issues End of Session Report

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: June 3
  • May 01, 2019
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders Urge Legislative Action on Needed Medicaid Managed Care Reforms

Hospital and health system leaders from across Illinois are urging the General Assembly to pass legislation on needed reforms to the state’s Medicaid managed care program before it adjourns May 31.

Read More About Illinois Hospital Leaders Urge Legislative Action on Needed Medicaid Managed Care Reforms
  • Apr 04, 2019
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders to Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives at the State Capitol

4th Annual IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 3 highlights statewide efforts to advance patient care, improve communities and reduce costs.

Read More About Illinois Hospital Leaders to Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives at the State Capitol
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Press Release

March is Illinois Poison Prevention Month

This week, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) kicks off Illinois Poison Prevention Month, which serves as a timely reminder of the substantial harm poisoning can cause to people of all ages.

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Innovation Challenge: Partners in Progress Award Presented

Patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced sepsis infection rates and enhancements in antimicrobial stewardship due to the efforts of two exceptional IHA members.

Read More About IHA Innovation Challenge: Partners in Progress Award Presented
  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Press Release

Comprehensive Medicaid Managed Care Reform Legislation Will Strengthen Illinois Medicaid Program

A comprehensive legislative package of Medicaid managed care reform bills strongly backed by the IHA and the hospital community has been introduced in the General Assembly.

Read More About Comprehensive Medicaid Managed Care Reform Legislation Will Strengthen Illinois Medicaid Program
  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Press Release

Karen Harris Named IHA Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Karen Harris will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective March 1.

Read More About Karen Harris Named IHA Senior Vice President and General Counsel
  • Jan 28, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA's Longest Serving Employee Retires

On Jan. 31, IHA will lose its longest serving employee.

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  • Jan 02, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Elects New Board

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association is pleased to announce its newly elected 2019 Board of Trustees.

Read More About IHA Elects New Board
  • Dec 17, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Texas District Court Ruling on the ACA

Illinois hospitals and health systems are extremely deeply disappointed by the district court's decision. This ruling threatens access to healthcare coverage for one million Illinoisans.

Read More About IHA Statement on Texas District Court Ruling on the ACA
  • Nov 19, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Warns About "Silent Killer" in Homes

The Illinois Poison Center notes an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter.

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  • Oct 17, 2018
  • Press Release

Sarah Macchiarola Named IHA Vice President, Federal Government Relations

Sarah Macchiarola will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as its Vice President, Federal Government Relations, effective Nov. 29.

Read More About Sarah Macchiarola Named IHA Vice President, Federal Government Relations
  • Sep 20, 2018
  • Press Release

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi Re: Illinois Supreme Court Ruling in Oswald v. Beard

We are pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the state’s hospital property tax exemption law.

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  • Jun 21, 2018
  • Press Release

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi: Federal Approval of Redesigned Hospital Assessment Program

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO

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  • Jun 06, 2018
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award

The Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Patient Safety Organization (PSO) awarded Valerie Skroch of Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers with the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award.

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  • Mar 27, 2018
  • Press Release

$95.3 Billion: The State Economic Impact of Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems

Illinois’ more than 200 hospitals and nearly 50 health systems generate a total impact of $95.3 billion annually on the state’s economy, according to an IHA report.

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