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

HHS appeals nationwide halt to healthcare worker vaccine rule

HHS is appealing a federal court's decision to temporarily block the start of its vaccination mandate for healthcare workers, according to Bloomberg Law. Becker’s Hospital Review

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HHS appeals nationwide halt to healthcare worker vaccine rule

News Articles

  • Dec 06, 2021
  • News from the Web

3 ways employers can improve health equity

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals, health systems and other employers across the U.S. have increased their focus on addressing disparities among Americans. Becker’s Hospital Review

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  • Dec 06, 2021
  • News from the Web

Is telehealth the ‘future of healthcare’ or will the added access disappear with the pandemic

By mid-2020, 95% of the healthcare facilities reported using telehealth, compared to the 43% that were capable of providing it in 2019, according to Health Center Program Data. WCIA

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  • Dec 06, 2021
  • Member News Spotlight

Carle and University of Illinois partner to launch new brain study

Carle has partnered up the University of Illinois, to conduct the Champaign-Urbana Population Study. WAND

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  • Dec 06, 2021
  • News from the Web

Is it time to change the definition of fully vaccinated

As more indoor venues require proof of vaccines for entrance and winter looming, scientists and public health officials are debating when it is time to change the definition of fully vaccinated. KHN

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  • Dec 06, 2021
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 6

IHA Comments on No Surprises Act Part II

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 6
  • Dec 03, 2021
  • News from the Web

Gov. Pritzker signs five new bills into law, including bipartisan legislation

On Tuesday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed five bills into law, including SB 336 that makes changes to the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act. The Telegraph

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  • Dec 03, 2021
  • Member News Spotlight

Chicago Health Systems Join Forces to Promote Careers in Healthcare across West and South Sides

Advocate Aurora Health, Sinai Chicago and University of Chicago Medicine announce collaboration on workforce development initiative. PR Newswire

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  • Dec 03, 2021
  • News from the Web

Pritzker not considering halt to elective medical procedures ‘right now’

Gov. Pritzker remains cautious about the reported omicron COVID-19 variant, but he’s not ready to go as far as NY in canceling elective medical procedures to free hospital beds. The Center Square

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  • Dec 03, 2021
  • Member News Spotlight

Advocate South Suburban helps feed food insecure patients

The Food Farmacy program at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, and Advocate Trinity Hospital, that provides food for food insecure patients, distributed nearly 50k pounds of food this year. Patch

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  • Dec 03, 2021
  • News from the Web

Community health program providing pandemic assistance services extended through June

On Wednesday, the Illinois Public Health Association announced that the state's Pandemic Health Navigator Program, has been extended through June 2022 by IDPH. The Edwardsville Intelligencer

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  • Dec 03, 2021
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 3

Health Officials Issue Guidance on Omicron Variant

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 3
  • Dec 01, 2021
  • News from the Web

A federal judge blocks Biden’s vaccine mandate for U.S. health workers.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday to halt the start of Biden’s national vaccine mandate for health care workers, which was set to begin next week. The New York Times

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  • Dec 01, 2021
  • Member News Spotlight

Vaccine disparities led to unnecessary deaths in Chicago, a new study finds

A UChicago study suggests more equitable distribution of vaccinations would have saved more than 100 lives. WBEZ

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  • Dec 01, 2021
  • News from the Web

Supreme Court hears case on 340B payments

Hospitals made their case before the Supreme Court Tuesday that reimbursement cuts to the 340B Drug Pricing Program made by the CMS were made unlawfully. Modern Healthcare

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  • Dec 01, 2021
  • News from the Web

What's driving the pandemic's health care exodus

1 in 5 American health care workers have left the profession since the pandemic hit. The pandemic has pushed what was already a tough situation into crisis mode. WBUR

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  • Dec 01, 2021
  • News from the Web

President Biden signs veterans’ maternal health bill sponsored by Rep. Underwood, Sen. Duckworth

Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill requiring the DVA to improve maternal health for vets, legislation Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Lauren Underwood championed. Chicago Sun-Times 

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  • Dec 01, 2021
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 1

CMS Vaccination Mandate Stayed

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 1
  • Nov 29, 2021
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 29

IL Hospitals Not Impacted By Federal Injunction

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 29
  • Nov 15, 2021
  • Press Release

Illinois’ Rural Hospitals Celebrate National Rural Health Day

IHA and the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network are proud to recognize National Rural Health Day, which celebrates rural communities and highlights their unique health challenges.

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  • Oct 28, 2021
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Awards to FHN Memorial, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest

The Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) PSO presented two MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion awards in recognition of extraordinary efforts to improve patient safety in healthcare.

Read More About MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Awards to FHN Memorial, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest
  • Oct 20, 2021
  • Press Release

Lisa (Weichman) Harries Joining IHA to Lead on Health Equity

Lisa (Weichman) Harries will join IHA as Assistant VP of Health Equity and Policy in Jan. 2022. She will be responsible for policy proposals and advocacy strategies to address health disparities.

Read More About Lisa (Weichman) Harries Joining IHA to Lead on Health Equity
  • Sep 28, 2021
  • News from the Web

Illinois emergency rule requires hospitals, health care facilities to track staff vaccination record

All healthcare facilities in Illinois must begin keeping records that monitor vaccination status and COVID test results for all staff, according to a new emergency rule issued Friday. WCIA/Nexstar

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  • Jul 21, 2021
  • Press Release

Beware of Fake Prescription Pills This Summer

The Illinois Poison Center has a warning for anyone who may purchase pills that were not prescribed by a doctor: Chances are, the drugs are counterfeit and you may be ingesting fentanyl.

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  • Jun 18, 2021
  • Press Release

IHA Launches the Racial Equity in Healthcare Progress Report

IHA launched the Racial Equity in Healthcare Progress Report during IHA’s Health Equity Action Day on June 18. The report is a long-term tool to document progress toward racial health equity.

Read More About IHA Launches the Racial Equity in Healthcare Progress Report
  • Jun 17, 2021
  • Press Release

IHA Health Equity Action Day: Media Advisory

IHA Health Equity Action Day will be live streamed on June 18 at 9 a.m. Speakers include Michelle Silverthorn, founder of Inclusion Nation, Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Read More About IHA Health Equity Action Day: Media Advisory
  • May 18, 2021
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

18 vulnerable Chicago neighborhoods. 10 leading health systems. One powerful goal.

More than three years ago, a meeting with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and the CEOs of 10 major hospitals in Chicago sparked the Chicago Hospital Engagement, Action, and Leadership (HEAL) Initiative. 

Read More About 18 vulnerable Chicago neighborhoods. 10 leading health systems. One powerful goal. Read More
  • Mar 22, 2021
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Unveils New Website

The Illinois Poison Center's newly redesigned website provides easy access to reliable health and safety information for the public and healthcare providers.

Read More About Illinois Poison Center Unveils New Website
  • Mar 01, 2021
  • Press Release

March Is Illinois Poison Prevention Month

In March, Illinois Poison Prevention Month, IPC encourages all Illinoisans to learn about the potential hazards lurking in homes, schools and workplaces. 

Read More About March Is Illinois Poison Prevention Month
  • Feb 22, 2021
  • Press Release

Telehealth Legislation Protects Virtual Healthcare Beyond COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coalition to Protect Telehealth announced support for a legislative proposal to protect Illinoisans’ access to the innovative telehealth services they have relied on during the COVID pandemic.

Read More About Telehealth Legislation Protects Virtual Healthcare Beyond COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Jan 13, 2021
  • Press Release

Statement from IHA Re: Hospital and Healthcare Transformation – Senate Bill 1510

IHA and the Illinois hospital community want to thank Representative Greg Harris, Senator Heather Steans, and HFS Director Theresa Eagleson for their leadership in moving this legislation forward.

Read More About Statement from IHA Re: Hospital and Healthcare Transformation – Senate Bill 1510
  • Jan 13, 2021
  • Press Release

Statement from IHA Re: Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch

IHA congratulates State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch on his historic election as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 102nd General Assembly. 

Read More About Statement from IHA Re: Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch
  • Jan 11, 2021
  • Press Release

Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board

IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2021 Board of Trustees. Board officers serve a one-year term beginning January 1, 2021.

Read More About Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board
  • Jan 11, 2021
  • Press Release

Karen Teitelbaum to Chair 2021 Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board

Karen Teitelbaum, president and CEO, Sinai Chicago, is the chair of IHA's 2021 Board of Trustees as of Jan. 1, 2021. The Board of Trustees is the policymaking body for IHA.

Read More About Karen Teitelbaum to Chair 2021 Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board
  • Dec 17, 2020
  • Press Release

Avoid Toxic Drug Combinations This Flu Season

Experts at the Illinois Poison Center are alerting the public to dangerous drug combinations that could interact poorly with HIV medication, or cause a rapid increase in blood pressure.

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  • Dec 16, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Chief Says Vaccine Delivery ‘on Track' to Illinois County Health Departments

Illinois hospitals are working around the clock with Gov. Pritzker, IDPH, the entire state pandemic response team and local health depts. to ensure the vaccine is administered. We urge patience.

Read More About IHA Chief Says Vaccine Delivery ‘on Track' to Illinois County Health Departments
  • Nov 20, 2020
  • Press Release

Leading Business and Health Care Groups Urge Safe Holiday Celebrations

The state’s leading business and healthcare organizations are urging Illinoisans to safely celebrate the holidays and help slow the spread of the coronavirus by following all health guidelines.

Read More About Leading Business and Health Care Groups Urge Safe Holiday Celebrations
  • Nov 17, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Governor Pritzker's Action Today to Mitigate COVID-19 Surge

IHA and our member hospitals and health systems commend Governor Pritzker for his exceptional leadership in this extraordinary time, including his action to mitigate the alarming surge in COVID-19.

Read More About IHA Statement on Governor Pritzker's Action Today to Mitigate COVID-19 Surge
  • Nov 17, 2020
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award to DuPage Medical Group

MAPS PSO awarded the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award to DuPage Medical Group in Downers Grove and gave an Honorable Mention to Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

Read More About MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award to DuPage Medical Group
  • Nov 13, 2020
  • Press Release

Hospitals, Doctors and Nurses Plead: “Don’t Let Your Guard Down. Keep Your Mask Up”

With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surging, IHA has launched a new statewide campaign to communicate the importance of taking reasonable precautions to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Read More About Hospitals, Doctors and Nurses Plead: “Don’t Let Your Guard Down. Keep Your Mask Up”
  • Nov 02, 2020
  • Press Release

Jordan Powell Joining IHA to Lead on Health Policy and Finance

Jordan Powell joins IHA as Senior Vice President of Health Policy and Finance on Dec. 14. He will provide leadership on strategic policy, payment system, health equity and healthcare reform issues.

Read More About Jordan Powell Joining IHA to Lead on Health Policy and Finance
  • Oct 05, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Letter re: Graduated Income Tax Proposal

IHA urges Illinoisans to vote Yes on a proposed constitutional amendment for a graduated income tax.

Read More About IHA Letter re: Graduated Income Tax Proposal
  • Sep 30, 2020
  • Press Release

Healthcare Providers, Advocates Urge General Assembly to Protect Telehealth

The Coalition to Protect Our Telehealth, which includes IHA, urges the General Assembly to protect telehealth approaches so Illinoisans can access critically needed, affordable care beyond COVID-19.

Read More About Healthcare Providers, Advocates Urge General Assembly to Protect Telehealth
  • Sep 16, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Opinion: Hospitals Committed to Serving Everyone

Illinois hospitals of all shapes and sizes are the cornerstones of their communities and provide some of the highest quality healthcare in the world.

Read More About IHA Opinion: Hospitals Committed to Serving Everyone
  • Sep 14, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Leader Named President-Elect of AAPCC

Carol DesLauriers, PharmD, DABAT, Assistant Vice President of the Illinois Poison Center (IPC), has been named president-elect of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).

Read More About Illinois Poison Center Leader Named President-Elect of AAPCC
  • Aug 09, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on IDPH Emergency Rules on Face Coverings

A statement from IHA President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi urges the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to allow emergency rules on face coverings to move forward to help ensure health and safety.

Read More About IHA Statement on IDPH Emergency Rules on Face Coverings
  • Aug 03, 2020
  • Press Release

Christopher Jessup Joins Illinois Health and Hospital Association

Christopher Jessup has joined the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as Community and Local Government Relations Manager, effective August 3.

Read More About Christopher Jessup Joins Illinois Health and Hospital Association
  • Jul 15, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital and Health Systems Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives

Eighty quality improvement projects from Illinois hospitals and health systems represent the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals to advance quality care and enhance health and well-being.

Read More About Illinois Hospital and Health Systems Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives
  • Jul 15, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Business and Healthcare Groups Encourage Use of Face Masks to Save Lives, Protect Jobs

A diverse coalition of business groups renewed calls for Illinoisans to wear face masks when in public to save lives and protect the state’s economy.

Read More About Illinois Business and Healthcare Groups Encourage Use of Face Masks to Save Lives, Protect Jobs
  • Jun 24, 2020
  • Press Release

Summer Plants: Safe or Not?

As Illinoisans venture outside for summer fun, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) reminds you that some of the season’s most attractive plants can be harmful—or even deadly.

Read More About Summer Plants: Safe or Not?
  • Jun 15, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Health Disparities

Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, which has highlighted glaring health disparities. Illinois’ hospital community is engaged on this issue.

Read More About IHA Statement on Health Disparities
  • Apr 29, 2020
  • Press Release

Health Care Organizations Speak Out Against Legal Challenge to Stay-at-Home Order

IHA, along with ANA, ISAPN and ISMS, submitted an amicus brief on April 29 in the legal case challenging Governor Pritzker's stay-at-home executive order.

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  • Apr 27, 2020
  • News from the Web

Please Do Not Eat Disinfectant

There is no evidence that sunlight can cure coronavirus on the human body. New York Times

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  • Apr 24, 2020
  • News from the Web

Hospitals Take Huge Financial Hits Because Of COVID-19

Many hospitals are struggling financially right now, and in some cases, jobs are on the line. CBS 2 TV

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  • Apr 13, 2020
  • Press Release

IPC Cleaning Product Exposures Up 30%

The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) urges people to use caution with cleaning products, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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  • Mar 23, 2020
  • Press Release

Help Us Help You: A Message From Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems During COVID-19 Pandemic

IHA along with its 200 member hospitals and nearly 40 health systems called on all Illinois residents to help hospitals prevent a surge of COVID-19 patients.

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  • Mar 19, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospitals Issue Plea for Medical Supplies

IHA issued a plea to the construction industry, dentists, veterinarians and other groups that may be able to help Illinois’ more than 200 hospitals protect staff as they care for COVID-19 patients.

Read More About Illinois Hospitals Issue Plea for Medical Supplies
  • Mar 06, 2020
  • News from the Web

State Of Illinois’ Coronavirus Hotline Fields Myriad Of Calls With Questions, Concerns

The phones are ringing off at the State of Illinois’ coronavirus hotline. CBS Chicago

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  • Feb 27, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems Infuse More Than $100 Billion Annually Into State’s Economy

Illinois hospitals and health systems infuse more than $100 billion in state and local economies. They are the number one creator of jobs supporting working families.

Read More About Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems Infuse More Than $100 Billion Annually Into State’s Economy
  • Feb 26, 2020
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Releases White Paper on Top 10 Patient Safety Issues for 2020

MAPS PSO has released Patient Safety Focus: Top 10 Safety Issues for 2020, a white paper offering strategies to address some of healthcare’s top challenges.

Read More About MAPS PSO Releases White Paper on Top 10 Patient Safety Issues for 2020
  • Jan 02, 2020
  • Press Release

Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board

IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2020 Board of Trustees. Board officers serve a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020.

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  • Dec 16, 2019
  • Press Release

Holiday Plants Are Not on the Menu

The Illinois Poison Center--the nation's oldest poison center--warns of gastrointestinal distress from three common holiday plants.

Read More
  • Nov 18, 2019
  • Press Release

Illinois’ Rural Hospitals Celebrate National Rural Health Day

Over 1.4 million Illinoisans live in rural regions and rely on their local hospital as a vital—and often only—source of care. IHA and ICAHN are proud to recognize National Rural Health Day on Nov. 21.

Read More
  • Nov 04, 2019
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award to a Rush Copley Medical Center Employee

MAPS PSO awarded Suzanne Khoury, a senior medical technologist at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, with the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award for preventing patient harm.

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  • Oct 07, 2019
  • Press Release

Is That a Mouse In Your House?

Nation’s oldest poison center offers rodent removal and prevention safety tips

Read More About Is That a Mouse In Your House?
  • Sep 26, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Honors Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for Quality Initiatives with Significant Impact

Hospitals and health systems in Illinois devote significant resources to advancing patient care and safety. IHA recognizes those dedicated efforts through its Quality Excellence Achievement Awards.

Read More
  • 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.

Read More About March is Illinois Poison Prevention Month
  • 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.

Read More About IHA's Longest Serving Employee Retires
  • 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.

Read More About Illinois Poison Center Warns About "Silent Killer" in Homes
  • 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.

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

Read More About MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award