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 governor offers 'bridge' budget to address state's fiscal woes

Illinois’ new governor, J.B. Pritzker, on Wednesday proposed a nearly $39 billion fiscal 2020 general funds budget that he said will serve as a bridge to “a stable fiscal future.” Reuters

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Illinois governor offers 'bridge' budget to address state's fiscal woes

News Articles

  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Local [Springfield area] lawmakers share concerns, positive comments about budget address

Some local lawmakers took issue with several items, namely the pension plan, in Gov. Pritzker’s budget address, while others said it was an honest look at the state’s issues. State Journal-Register

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Legislation package addresses health-care shortfalls in Illinois' Medicaid program

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

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Pritzker names three cabinet directors

Gov. J.B. Pritzker continued on Tuesday to fill out his cabinet, appointing three new agency directors. State Journal-Register

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Federal Judge denies Sterigenics' motion to lift ban on use of cancer-causing gas at Willowbrook pla

A federal judge Wednesday denied Sterigenics’ emergency motion to lift a ban on its use of ethylene oxide at its Willowbrook sterilization plant. Chicago Tribune

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Financial Woes Threaten Closures for 1-in-5 Rural Hospitals

The ongoing financial crisis threatening rural hospitals may be worsening. HealthLeaders Media

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

More States Say Doctors Must Offer Overdose Reversal Drug Along With Opioids

In a growing number of states, patients who get opioids may leave their doctors’ offices with a prescription for naloxone, a drug that can save their lives if they overdose. California Health Line

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Bill would let patients buy cheaper insulin from other countries

A bill introduced by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday would let patients import cheaper insulin from Canada and other countries. The Hill

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Government Headed for Close to Half of Nation's Health Tab

Even without a history-making healthcare remake to deliver "Medicare-for-all," government at all levels will be paying nearly half the nation's healthcare tab in less than 10 years. Associated Press

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Top Dems blast administration's proposed ObamaCare changes

House and Senate Democrats blasted the Trump administration’s proposed changes for ObamaCare insurance markets, saying the rule will lead to increased costs and fewer people being covered. The Hill

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • News from the Web

Government report reveals CBO was scandalously off in Obamacare estimates

A new report from government actuaries has revealed that the Congressional Budget Office was scandalously off in its estimates of the impact of Obamacare's individual mandate. Washington Examiner

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  • Feb 21, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Mercyhealth becomes the first northern Illinois hospital with blood-clot removing device

A new device that removes life-threatening blood clots from the brain is now being used at Mercyhealth. WIFR TV

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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 21, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 21

New CMS Report Projects Increases in Healthcare Spending

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 21
  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois Governor Signs Measure Hiking State's Minimum Wage to $15

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed a measure gradually hiking the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, the highest in the Midwest. Fox News

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Pritzker Budget to Boost Education, Use Marijuana Money, Freeze Income Tax

In his first budget address, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to pitch an “austere” spending blueprint with no increase in the state income tax rate, a bump in education funding and new revenue.

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois Governor Eyes Bond Sale, Tax Hike to Save Pensions

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is considering a broad plan to inject cash into the state’s struggling pensions by selling $2 billion of bonds. Bloomberg News

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Analysis: Illinois Economy Improving, but Significant Challenges Remain

A new economic forecast for the state of Illinois said that while 2018 was better than the last few years, Illinois still has significant challenges to overcome. TV 25 Peoria

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Sterigenics Files Emergency Motion to Reopen Willowbrook Facility

Sterigenics has filed an emergency motion to reopen their facility in Springfield after the Illinois EPA shut it down on Friday. ABC 7 TV

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Willowbrook Residents Take Sterigenics Battle to Springfield

The battle over reported cancer causing emissions from the Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook took center stage in Springfield Tuesday, as residents voiced their concerns. WGN TV

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Lake County Residents Push Trump, Pritzker EPAs for Protection from Same Cancer-Causing Gas

Months of community organizing, pleading and haranguing paid off last week when Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration banned Sterigenics from using cancer-causing ethylene oxide gas.

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Ensuring Access to Care in Rural Communities

The mission of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital is to restore, maintain and enhance health by providing superior care now and in the future for the 45,000 residents of our service area.

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

FDA, Drug Companies, Doctors Mishandled Use of Powerful Fentanyl Painkiller

The Food and Drug Administration, drug companies and doctors mishandled distribution of a powerful fentanyl painkiller, allowing widespread prescribing to ineligible patients. Washington Post

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Trump's Drug Price Plan Mixed Bag for Benefit Managers

The White House is proposing several policy shifts that would further solidify the role of pharmacy benefit managers in setting drug costs. Fox Business

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Behind the Scenes, Health Insurers Use Cash and Gifts to Sway Which Benefits Employers Choose

The pitches to the health insurance brokers are tantalizing. ProPublica

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Hospital Lobbying in 2018 - by the Numbers

Hospitals and health systems doled out more cash currying support for favorable Medicare and 340B prescription drug payments last year than they did fighting to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Harris: 'Medicare for All' is Not Socialism

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) on Tuesday defended her support for “Medicare for all,” saying it is not a socialist idea. The Hill

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

The State Can't Stop the New Owners of Westlake Hospital from Closing It

Despite community outrage over plans to close Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, there’s little the state can do to stop it, because of a change in the law several years ago. Chicago Tribune

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Effingham Woman Named President of Greenville Hospital

Kelly Sager of Effingham, the chief nurse executive for HSHS Southern Illinois Division, has been named president and chief executive officer of a sister hospital in Greenville. Daily News

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • News from the Web

Local Hospital Giving Personal Support to Patients Fighting Addiction

Did you know drug overdoses are the leading cause of death in the U.S for people under the age of 50? WPSD TV

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Opens New Advanced Heart Failure Center

Patients with advanced heart failure can no longer be managed using medicines alone. Daily Herald

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  • Feb 20, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 20

Gov. Pritzker Presents $38.9B State Budget Plan

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 20
  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Alarmed by cancer-causing ethylene oxide pollution, Gov. Pritzker orders shutdown of Sterigenics in

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration on Friday banned Sterigenics from using ethylene oxide at its Willowbrook sterilization plant, responding to an intense public outcry. Chicago Tribune

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Sterigenics' use of ethylene oxide has been stopped, but seek a permanent ban

People who live near the Sterigenics facilities in Willowbrook celebrated the news and their victory that the company’s use of ethylene oxide was stopped Friday. The Doings/Chicago Tribune

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Pritzker to outline budget amid state’s ongoing problems

Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers his first budget proposal Wednesday to a state that may be unprepared for what the new governor will have to say. State Journal-Register

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

More, better funding for mental health services proposed

An Illinois advocacy group is pushing legislation it says would bring $50 million in new money to state mental health services over the next four years. Daily News

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois opioid helpline has received 10,000 calls

An Illinois hotline that supports people addicted to opioids and other substances has received 10,000 calls since it was set up in late 2017. WGN TV

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Charitable enough? UPMC case highlights increased scrutiny of nonprofit hospitals

Nonprofit hospitals are facing more questions over whether they're living up to their charitable missions as tax-exempt entities; consolidation may be forcing the hand of regulators. Healthcare Dive

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Medicare ambulance rides may no longer end up at ER

Medicare wants to change how it pays for emergency ambulance services to give seniors more options besides going to a hospital emergency department, officials said Thursday. Associated Press

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

16 states file lawsuit to stop Trump's national emergency declaration

Sixteen states on Monday evening filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration. CNN

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

New owner to close Westlake Hospital

Within weeks of buying Westlake Hospital, its new owner announced plans to shutter the building, which has operated in west suburban Melrose Park for almost a century. Chicago Sun-Times

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Protest over planned closing of Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park

Plans to close a west suburban hospital sparked a protest outside the medical complex Monday. Demonstrators marched and spoke out against the move to shut down Westlake Hospital. WGN

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Hospital employee shares experience handling a mass casualty event

On Friday, Gary Martin, 45, is believed to have shot and killed five of his colleagues, according to police. He opened fire at Henry Pratt Company during a termination meeting. WICS TV

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

House unanimously OKs plan to ensure Chicago hospital access for sick Region children

The Indiana House unanimously approved legislation to ensure the Region's premature babies and very ill children served by Medicaid can be treated at a nearby Chicago hospital. Kokomo Perspective

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Michael Hicks named new president and CEO of HSHS St. Mary's Hospital

At this point in his decades-long career in healthcare, Michael Hicks said he wanted to work with an organization he felt shared his values and was committed to their local community. Herald Review

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Their View: Let’s talk about end-of-life care

Nobody wants to talk about the end of life. We plan our weddings, our babies and our retirements. But when it comes to death, we skip past it and plan our funerals. Rockford Register-Star Opinion

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • News from the Web

Reform, once avoided, now embraced in Chicago mayor’s race

Reform is not usually embraced by Chicago politicians, but after corruption charges were filed against a powerful alderman, the word is now on the lips of the 14 mayoral candidates. Associated Press

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  • Feb 19, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 19

Urge Legislators to Sponsor Medicaid Managed Care Bills

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 19
  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois Set to Hike Minimum Wage to $15, Highest in Midwest

Illinois legislators moved quickly Thursday to deliver one of new Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker's top campaign promises, a gradual hike in the statewide minimum wage from $8.25 to $15. AP

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

More Women Reach the Top at Illinois Hospitals

Illinois hospitals outpace the rest when it comes to female leadership. Crain's Chicago Business Health Pulse

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Congress OKs Border Deal; Trump will Sign, Declare Emergency

Congress lopsidedly approved a border security compromise Thursday that would avert a second painful government shutdown. Associated Press

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

McConnell says Trump will Sign Spending Bill and Declare National Emergency

President Donald Trump plans to sign a bipartisan spending deal and then declare a national emergency to fund his border wall. Politico

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Shift to Medicare Advantage Ratchets Up Pressure on Hospitals

The move to private Medicare Advantage takes hospitals further away from fee-for-service medicine, putting pressure on these providers to improve quality and health outcomes. HealthLeaders Media

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Cleaning Routine Shows Promise in Curbing Superbug Infection

Think of it as decontaminating yourself. Associated Press

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Discharged, Dismissed: ERs Often Miss Chance to Set Overdose Survivors on 'Better Path'

Angerer, now 36 and in recovery, had been battling substance use disorder since she started drinking alcohol at age 16. Kaiser Health News

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Federal Court Agrees to Let Democrats Defend Obamacare in Court

A Louisiana-based federal court of appeals on Thursday agreed to let House Democrats join a fight to save the Affordable Care Act, but refused to expedite an appeal. The Hill

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Democrats Seek Cosponsors for New 'Medicare for All' Bill

Two progressive lawmakers are circulating a letter to their Democratic colleagues asking for cosponsors for a Medicare for all bill as they prepare to introduce it. The Hill

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Two Regional Hospitals Named to Top Rural Hospitals List

Mercy Hospital Washington, along with HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Illinois, made the list, ranked by advocacy group The Chartis Center for Rural Health. St. Louis Biz Journal

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

OSF HealthCare to Raise Its Minimum Wage

OSF HealthCare said will raise its minimum wage system wide to $12 an hour, effective Feb. 24. News-Gazette

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Lurie to Open Intermediate-Care Unit

Lurie Children's Hospital is opening a 20-bed ward for patients who are too sick for general inpatient care but don’t need an intensive-care unit. Crain's Chicago Business

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  • Feb 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Super Girl Delivers Valentines to Kids at Winfield Hospital

Sick children received a special Valentine's Day surprise on Thursday as Super girl paid a visit to Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Daily Herald

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  • 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
  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 15

Comprehensive Medicaid MCO Reform Bills Introduced

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 15
  • Feb 14, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 14

Minimum Wage Bill On Way to Governor

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 14
  • Feb 13, 2019
  • News from the Web

Blue Cross launches healthy food delivery service to Chicago food deserts

Pilot program offering delivery of low-cost prepared meals has launched in more than two dozen Chicago neighborhoods, seeking to address concerns over limited healthy food options. Chicago Tribune

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  • Feb 13, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 13

CMS Data Review Deadline Feb. 15

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 13
  • Feb 12, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 12

CMS Releases Clinicians' MIPS Eligibility Status

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 12
  • Feb 11, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 11

CMS, ONC Propose EHI Interoperability and Use Changes

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 11
  • Feb 08, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 8

State Faces $3.2 Billion Budget Gap

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Feb. 8
  • 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 18, 2018
  • Press Release

The IPC Celebrates 65 Years of Keeping Illinois Safe

Nation's oldest poison center marks milestone anniversary.

Read More About The IPC Celebrates 65 Years of Keeping Illinois Safe
  • 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 20, 2018
  • Press Release

Tragic Event at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association expresses our condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

Read More About Tragic Event at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago
  • 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
  • Oct 01, 2018
  • Press Release

IPC Warns of Dangers from Fall Mushrooms

The Illinois Poison Center strongly advises mushroom foragers to take caution when consuming any wild mushroom for any purpose, especially since many mushrooms can be misidentified.

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  • Sep 25, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Honors Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for Quality Improvement Initiatives

The 8th Annual IHA Quality Excellence Achievement Awards were presented to leaders from two health systems and three hospitals during the IHA Leadership Summit on Sept. 25 in Lombard.

Read More About IHA Honors Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for Quality Improvement Initiatives
  • 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
  • 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 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

Read More About Illinois Poison Prevention Month
  • 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.

Read More About IHA Recognizes Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for IHA Innovation Challenge
  • 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

Read More About Camphor Products: A Cause for Concern
  • 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