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's Regional Roundup, IHA press releases and our Member News Spotlight. You can sort by category.

Featured News

Illinois Rural Health Association Names Dauby Administrator of the Year

Pinckneyville Community Hospital District CEO Randall Dauby was selected to receive the 2018 Rural Health Administrator of the Year Award from the Illinois Rural Health Association. The Southern

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Illinois Rural Health Association Names Dauby Administrator of the Year

News Articles

  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

66 Critical Access Hospitals to Know - 2018

Becker's Healthcare is pleased to present the 2018 edition of the "66 critical access hospitals to know" list. Becker's Hospital Review

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

Gov. Bruce Rauner Vetoes Expanded Benefits for Paramedics, EMTs

Gov. Rauner vetoed legislation to expand benefit rights for paramedics and emergency medical technicians by defining them as firefighters. Chicago Tribune

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

8 Ways Hospitals are Cutting Readmissions

Healthcare experts are looking at why patients return to the hospital and strategizing ways to keep discharged patients from becoming inpatients again. Becker's Hospital Review

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

Young Nurses Seek Advanced Degrees, Leaving Gaps in Direct Patient Care

More young nurses are opting to obtain advanced degrees, which could help fill gaps in primary care. Modern Healthcare

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

Hospitals and Unions: 12 Recent Conflicts, Agreements

Becker's Hospital Review reported on the following hospital-union events — including protests and legal issues — since July 19. Becker's Hospital Review

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

Why Hospitals are Getting into the Real Estate Business

Michael Doody remembers some things about his Columbus, Ohio neighborhood in the 1990s. NPR Illinois

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

States Rush to Rein in Prescription Costs, and Drug Companies Fight Back

States around the country are clamping down on pharmaceutical companies, forcing them to disclose and justify price increases. New York Times

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

Chronic Pain Patients Say They're 'Treated Like Criminals'

When the former nonprofit director moved from North Carolina to Spotsylvania County, she brought detailed medical records about her chronic pain and the opioids she takes to treat them.

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

Should you get that Scan? Your Doctor Might Not be Great at Helping you Decide.

Your doctor probably nags you to schedule cancer screening tests like mammograms and colonoscopies. NPR

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • News from the Web

SIU Med School Residents Learn to Handle Emergencies in Unique Situations

Clara’s emergency delivery was one of six simulated scenarios part of Emergency Medicine Wars, an event put on by the medical school’s EM residents. State Journal-Register

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  • Aug 20, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 20

HFS Webinars on Integrated Health Homes

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 20
  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Bill requiring hospitals to have specially trained nurses for rape victims is 'important' but challe

This week Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill I personally welcome with open arms: a new law that requires all IL. hospitals have specially-trained nurses ready to treat rape victims. Aurora Beacon-News

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Rauner makes changes to bill on Medicaid eligibility backlog

Gov. Bruce Rauner Tuesday made changes to a bill designed to address the state's chronic delays in determining if nursing home residents qualify for Medicaid. State Journal-Register

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Illinois' overdose crisis getting worse, mirroring nationwide trend, CDC says

Illinois’ drug overdose deaths rose by nearly 10 percent over a 12-month period, according to data released by the CDC and Prevention. Chicago Tribune

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

New Generic Alternative To Pricey EpiPens Wins FDA Approval

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first ever independent generic version of the EpiPen. CBS New York

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump wants federal suit against opioid manufacturers

President Donald Trump is asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to file a federal lawsuit against certain companies that supply and manufacture opioids. Associated Press
 

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Purdue Pharma’s Sales Pitch Downplayed Risks Of Opioid Addiction

Two decades ago, Purdue Pharma produced thousands of brochures and videos that urged patients with chronic pain to ask their physicians for opioids such as OxyContin. Kaiser Health News

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump readies new round of controversial Medicaid changes

The Trump administration is preparing to let conservative-led states impose additional restrictions on the nation’s health program for the poor. Politico

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

Dr. Atul Gawande: Is health care a human right?

Dr. Atul Gawande, the famed surgeon, New Yorker writer and best-selling author was invited to the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado to address the question, "Is health care a human right?"  MIN PR

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

GOP’s midterm peril: What if they win on killing Obamacare?

Republican candidates are trying to have it both ways on Obamacare. Politico

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

ACTION plan hopes to improve Adams County health

When Chad Rodgers first saw the figures earlier this year, he felt the findings were alarming. And like others, Rodgers knew something needed to be done. Herald Whig

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • News from the Web

SSM Health in talks to sell multiple Missouri hospitals outside St. Louis market

SSM Health is in discussions to sell several Missouri health facilities in Jefferson City, Mexico and Maryville. St Louis Post Dispatch

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  • Aug 17, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 17

HFS Extends Deadline for Assessment Tax Payment

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 17
  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Illinois Opioid Helpline Gets Five Thousand Calls in Eight Months

A lot of people in Illinois are calling the state's new opioid hotline for help. Illinois News Network

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Fake Weed: The Danger and the Appeal

Once considered the new frontier of drugs and drug trafficking, synthetic cannabinoids have been around for years now and they’re becoming increasingly dangerous. NPR Illinois/Illinois Issues

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Measles Cases Confirmed in 21 States, Including Illinois, Indiana, CDC Says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Tuesday afternoon that 107 people from 21 states have reported contracting measles between January 1 to July 14. ABC 7 TV

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Fentanyl Use Drove Drug Overdose Deaths to a Record High in 2017, CDC Estimates

Drug overdose deaths surpassed 72,000 in 2017, according to provisional estimates recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Washington Post

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Health Care, Tech Jobs Top List of Highest-Paid Work in U.S.

Americans eager for a high-paying job might want to focus on two industries: health care and technology. WBZ TV Boston

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

With Scarce Access to Interpreters, Immigrants Struggle to Understand Doctors' Orders

Long before he began studying for a career in health care, Marlon Munoz performed one of the most sensitive roles in the field: delivering diagnoses to patients. NPR

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Northwest Community Hospital Marks 5,000th Robotic Surgery

It wasn't that long ago when hospitals performed only open surgeries requiring large incisions and extended recovery times to deal with pain. Daily Herald

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • Member News Spotlight

Englewood Hospital Hosts Community Baby Shower

Dozens of excited moms and moms-to-be packed a room inside St. Bernard Hospital to be learn about prenatal care, nursing, SIDS & safe sleep, CPR and overall women's wellness. WBBM Radio

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Consent Decree Could Boost Mental Health Resources in CPD

Chicago Police officers often serve as first responders to residents experiencing mental health crises. WBEZ

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Site of Long Shuttered Aurora Hospital May be Cleaned Up

The city of Aurora has moved a step closer to cleaning up the site of the former Copley Hospital. Associated Press

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  • Aug 16, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 16

IL Drug Overdose Deaths Rise 9 Percent

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 16
  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Illinois Lawmakers Search for Solutions for Children Stuck in Psychiatric Hospitals

Illinois lawmakers Tuesday heard testimony from nearly a dozen doctors and child welfare advocates describing circumstances facing children who languish in psychiatric hospitals.  ProPublica

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

New Estimates Show Overdose Deaths Surpassed 72,000, a New High, in 2017

Drug overdoses killed more than 72,300 Americans last year, a rise of around 10 percent, according to new preliminary estimates from the Centers for Disease Control. New York Times

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Hospitals Shun Government's Stance on Medicare Appeals Backlog

The government expects to clear its daunting backlog of Medicare appeals within about 4 years, the AHA has asked a federal judge to press forward with court-mandated interventions. HealthLeadersMedia

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump's immigrant healthcare rule could hurt low-income populations

Healthcare leaders warn a pending administration rule penalizing legal immigrants for using government benefits like Medicaid would hurt public health efforts. ModernHealthcare

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

CVS launches program targeting expensive new drugs

CVS Caremark will allow clients to exclude coverage of drugs with extremely high launch prices under a new program the company said is aimed at pressuring manufacturers to lower drug costs. The Hill

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Women dominate nursing. So why do men still make this much more than them?

Women have always vastly outnumbered men in the nursing profession -- by a lot. In fact, today, they make up nearly 90 percent of the industry's U.S. workforce. NJ Times

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Should You Choose a Female Doctor?

Does gender matter when choosing a doctor? Whether your doctor is male or female could be a matter of life or death, a new study suggests. New York Times

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): New Directions

These are important times for addressing behavioral health issues—specifically, the mental and substance use disorders that affect over 64 million Americans every year. Psychiatric News

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

States Leverage Federal Funds To Help Insurers Lower Premiums

When Tracy Deis decided in 2016 to transition from a full-time job to part-time contract work, the loss of her employer’s health insurance was not a major worry. Kaiser Health News

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Mobile Stroke Unit brings hospital to patient

As a sales rep for a cyber security company in Geneva, Kevin Loughney was leaving a client a voicemail message when suddenly, he wasn’t making any sense. Kane County Chronicle

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

HSHS Medical Group takes steps to address opioid epidemic

In a proactive measure to address the opioid epidemic and strengthen patient safety, HSHS Medical Group has released a new controlled substance abuse policy and agreement. Shelbyville Daily

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • News from the Web

Hospital Tube System Helps Create Faster, More Cost Effective Healthcare

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked the number one hospital in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. Doctors and nurses help to play a huge role in that distinction. CBS TV Chicago

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  • Aug 15, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 15

Hospital Assessment & MCO-HAP Update

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 15
  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Rauner Signs Law Requiring Illinois Hospitals Have Nurses Trained to Treat Rape Victims

All sexual assault victims who enter an Illinois emergency room will soon be treated by a nurse trained to care for them. Chicago Tribune

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Rauner Signs Law Boosting Sexual Assault Nurses, Vetoes Extension of Certificate of Need

Gov. Rauner signed legislation aimed at increasing the number of providers trained to treat sexual assault victims and vetoed extending the state’s certificate of need process. Health News Illinois

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Simon Institute Research Shows State Funding Disparities Benefit Downstate

Longstanding political dialogue in Illinois is that downstate Illinois does not receive its fair share when it comes to a return on state funding and resources. The Southern

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

U.S. News Announces 2018-19 Best Hospitals

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings, today released the 2018-19 Best Hospitals rankings. U.S. News & World Report

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Hospitals Present a Major Roadblock to Medicare for All Act

More and more Democrats are signing onto making the government the only payer of healthcare services, but they're about to face a considerable adversary in the hospital industry. Washington Examiner

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Lax Oversight Leaves Surgery Center Regulators and Patients in the Dark

A Kaiser Health News and USA Today Network investigation finds that a hodgepodge of state rules governing outpatient centers allow some deaths and serious injuries to go unexamined.

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Patients Often End Up with Expensive Medical Bills, Even When They Go to In-Network Facilities

About 1 in 6 hospital stays for patients enrolled in large employer health plans results in out-of-network bills, which tend to be costly and not fully covered by insurance. The Hill

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Clues to Your Health are Hidden at 6.6 Million Spots in Your DNA

Scientists have created a powerful new tool to calculate a person’s inherited risks for heart disease, breast cancer and three other serious conditions. New York Times

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

The Large Hidden Costs of Medicare's Prescription Drug Program

At a glance, Medicare’s prescription drug program — also called Medicare Part D — looks like the perfect example of a successful public-private partnership. New York Times

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

Feds Urge States to Encourage Cheaper Plans Off the Exchanges

For those who make too much money to qualify for health insurance subsidies on the individual market, there may be no Goldilocks moment when shopping for a plan. Kaiser Health News

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • Member News Spotlight

Northwestern Memorial Ranked Best Hospital in Illinois

It’s lucky No. 7 for Northwestern Memorial Hospital: For the seventh year in a row, the Chicago hospital has been named the best in the state by U.S. News & World Report. Chicago Tribune

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • News from the Web

First UI Med School Class Builds Bridges Between Health, Tech, Engineering

The three students — a software engineer, data scientist and recent bioengineering graduate — are all part of the inaugural class of the Carle Engineering College of Medicine. News-Gazette

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  • Aug 14, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 14

AHA Asks Court to Reduce Medicare Appeals Backlog

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  • Aug 13, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 13

Guv Signs SANE Bill

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  • Aug 10, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 10

CMS Proposes Major Changes to ACOs

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

Pharmacist's Order: Birth Control Without The Doctor

Five states -- including California and Oregon -- allow their pharmacists to prescribe birth control, cutting out the need for a physician's visit. NPR

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

Pregnancy Debate Revisited: To Induce Labor, Or Not?

Healthy women with normal pregnancies can opt to have labor induced without worrying that the decision will make a cesarean section more likely, according to a major study.  NPR

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

Sanders Spins Savings in Medicare Plan

Sen. Bernie Sanders is skimming over the facts in claiming that his "Medicare for all" plan will lead to big reductions in what Americans spend for health care.  Associated Press

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

How employers are shaking up pharmacy benefits for 2019

Large employers are still dependent on pharmacy benefit management firms, but they are unhappy with the complex rebate system.  CNBC

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

Top Dem wants information about ObamaCare website removals

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may have violated federal law by removing a web page that provided information about how Medicare coverage is affected by ObamaCare.The Hill

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

74 shooting victims: How Chicago emergency rooms handled the most violent weekend of the year

Some came by ambulance, others by car, but in the span of about an hour Sunday morning, nine shooting victims arrived at Mount Sinai Hospital on the fringes of Chicago’s West Side. Chicago Tribune

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

Palos Health South Campus Unveiled At Open House This Saturday

Area residents are invited to the unveiling of the newly expanded Palos Health South Campus in Orland Park this Saturday, Aug. 11. Orland Park Patch

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • News from the Web

Illinois law to put more inhalers in the hands of school nurses

One in eight Illinois children have asthma, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.  WIFR TV
 

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  • Aug 09, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 9

Induced Labor at 39 Weeks May Make C-section Less Likely

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  • Aug 08, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Aug. 8

CMS Gives MA Plans Option to Negotiate Part B Drugs

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  • Aug 07, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: August 7

HFS Posts Updated Assessment Program Pricing

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: August 7
  • Jul 16, 2018
  • Press Release

Luis Andrade Joins IHA's Government Relations Team

Luis Andrade, lead human services and Medicaid analyst for the Office of the Illinois House Speaker, joins IHA as its director of government relations, effective Aug. 6.

Read More About Luis Andrade Joins IHA's Government Relations Team
  • Jun 27, 2018
  • Press Release

The IPC Celebrates 65 Years of Keeping Illinois Safe

Nation's oldest poison center marks milestone anniversary.

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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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  • Apr 25, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Statement re: Amendment to House Bill 5245 (SANEs)

IHA opposes amendment to HB5245 that does not include key suggestions from the hospital community.

Read More About IHA Statement re: Amendment to House Bill 5245 (SANEs)
  • Apr 04, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives at the State Capitol

Over 90 Illinois hospitals and health systems displayed their efforts to improve quality care and patient safety while decreasing costs during IHA’s 3rd annual Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 12.

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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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  • Feb 28, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Prevention Month

Educate yourself with the Illinois Poison Center during Illinois Poison Prevention Month

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  • Feb 28, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Statement re: General Assembly Votes on Hospital Assessment Program

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association commends the General for overwhelmingly approving Senate Bills 1773 and 1573.

Read More About IHA Statement re: General Assembly Votes on Hospital Assessment Program
  • Jan 17, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Recognizes Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for IHA Innovation Challenge

Because of three exceptional Illinois Health and Hospital members, patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced Clostridium difficile infection rates.

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  • Jan 08, 2018
  • Press Release

Camphor Products: A Cause for Concern

Nation's oldest poison center urges parents to be careful when storing products in their medicine cabinet

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  • Jan 03, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board

IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2018 Board of Trustees.

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  • Dec 21, 2017
  • Regional Roundup

Regional Roundup 12-21-17

IHA Weekly Regional Roundup: December 21, 2107

Read More About Regional Roundup 12-21-17
  • Sep 21, 2017
  • Press Release

Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson ACA Repeal Proposal

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO, Illinois Health and Hospital Association

Read More About Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson ACA Repeal Proposal