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.
Many healthcare leaders have said that 2022 was among the most financially challenging years, and that recovery remains challenging. Becker's Hospital Review
Hospital median operating margins rose to 1.4 percent in August, the sixth straight month of positive results, Syntellis said in its latest monthly benchmark report. Becker's Hospital Review
Some 1,400 clinics depend on federal funds to serve the most vulnerable patients, and any interruptions in their funding will only add to the financial pressures they already face. WSIU
Suicide is one of the leading causes of premature death in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CNN
Since marijuana was legalized in the state in 2020, pot shops have brought in more than $669 million in sales and added more than 30,000 jobs. CNN
IHA Advocacy Letter on Lower Costs, More Transparency Act
Contact Your State Legislators – Urge Support of SB 1863
Illinois health care professionals are calling for system upgrades as they experience licensing delays from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. WCIA
The United States is currently in the midst of a healthcare worker shortage which experts project will only get worse. The Hill
The current spending laws expire at Sept. 30. Without a deal by that night, funding will lapse and many government functions, including some health care programs, will temporarily stop. The Hill
Mandated nurse-to-patient ratios span the West Coast as more states have signed related legislation. Meanwhile, other states continue to consider the issue. Becker's Hospital Review
About a quarter of adults with long COVID report significant limitations in their ability to carry out day-to-day activities. WTTW
Less than 1% of ED patients are restrained, but Black patients face a significantly higher risk of physical restraint than non-Black patients, according to a meta-analysis. Becker's Hospital Review
IHA Testifies at House Committee on IDFPR Licensure Delays
Illinois lawmakers are trying to figure out the best ways to address long COVID. Roughly 10-15% of Americans who contract COVID-19 have long term effects. WAND
A host of new efforts are aimed at reversing long-standing disparities and stigma that have prevented Black women from seeking out fertility treatments. AXIOS
This fall will mark the first time vaccines are available to prevent the spread of respiratory syncytial virus. Becker's Hospital Review
Three 12-hour shifts a week has long been considered the standard schedule for hospital nurses. However, many nurses can recall times they've worked far beyond 12 hours. Becker's Hospital Review
Two nurses in the Chicagoland area believe their hospitals have violated the state's biometric privacy law. WAND
Despite Biden administration efforts, children’s hospitals across the country report some chemotherapy drugs commonly used for leukemia and lymphoma are hard to find. NBC News
At every age, women have higher out-of-pocket expenses for their health care than men despite having similar health insurance, according to a new Deloitte report. AXIOS
Scientists can now show key differences in the blood of those who recover from Covid — and those who don't. NBC News
Estimates of the number of people in the US with lingering Covid symptoms vary widely, but a new survey says the condition may have affected as many as 962,000 children and 17.9 million adults. CNN
Departments Propose CY24 Independent Dispute Resolution Fee
With physicians experiencing high turnover and burnout during Covid-19 pandemic and rural hospitals closing, the shortage of doctors in rural America keeps getting worse. STAT News
The "secret sauce" to creating a great work culture is having nurse leaders who embrace a primary role as retention officers and putting values into action. Becker's Hospital Review
Two Latina doctors from Chicago are in Washington D.C. pushing for the federal government to help close the health equity gap that exists for Latinos. NBC 5
IHA Health Equity Progress Report Webinar on 9/27
If Congress doesn’t pass a federal spending bill by Oct. 1, agency closures will disrupt numerous routine functions for Illinois residents. WBEZ
Thirty states reported that they have mistakenly dropped tens of thousands of people, including children, from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, CHIP. WSIU
AHA President on Telling the Hospital Story, Future Planning
IHA President: Power of Association Critical to Advocacy Success
IHA Strategic Partner on Enhancing Voluntary Employee Benefits
Register: IHA Webinar on Active Shooter Training Is Oct. 4
Illinois Poison Center Offers Parents & Caregivers Suicide Prevention Resources, Ways to Mitigate Risk During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
IHA Health Equity Progress Report: Benefits of Participating
The following statement can be attributed to A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO of the IHA, in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s signature of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined hospital leaders and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) to unveil the four-year report of the Chicago HEAL Initiative.
The following statement can be attributed to A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, in response to the passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget package.
Illinois hospital and health system leaders are calling on the General Assembly to pass several bills that will increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals.
For 70 years, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) has provided vital information and resources to families to help reduce the threat of poisoning and save lives.
IHA joined leading business, healthcare and technology groups at a Springfield press conference, urging the Illinois General Assembly to enact reforms to the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act.
The following statement can be attributed to A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO of IHA, in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s 2023 State of the State and Budget Address.
Gerald "J.P." Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer, NorthShore -- Edward-Elmhurst Health, has been elected Chair of the Board of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association for 2023.
Thomas Shanley, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, has been elected to the Board of Trustees.
Tracy Bauer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Medical Center, Galena, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association.
Children ages 5 and younger are accidentally ingesting cannabis edibles at an alarming rate, according to a new study recently published in Pediatrics.
The Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Patient Safety Organization (PSO) announced the recipients of two MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion awards.
In recognition of National Rural Health Day on Nov. 17, IHA and ICAHN are celebrating Illinois' rural hospital community for their tireless efforts to provide high quality care.
IHA President & CEO A.J. Wilhelmi and ICHAN Executive Director Pat Schou recognize Illinois' 86 small and rural hospitals and the vital role they play within Illinois communities.
With cold weather on the horizon, Illinois Poison Center (IPC) wants to remind the public that heating your home to combat the icy temperatures also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the Illinois Poison Center (IPC), accidential poisonings from Halloween candy is rare, but IPC manages cases each year involving dry ice, glow sticks and more.
Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris was presented the "Outstanding Leadership Award" last week at the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's (IHA) Leadership Summit.
Now that summer is in full swing, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is warning the public to stay safe by avoiding recreational drugs, especially synthetic recreational drugs.
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association today kicked off the start of our Small & Rural Hospitals Annual Meeting entitled “Inspiring Connections” at the Crowne Plaza Springfield.
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association will host our Small & Rural Hospitals Annual Meeting, “Inspiring Connections,” on June 16-17 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield.
The Illinois Poison Center encourages Illinoisans to take precautions against poison exposures, including foodborne illness, while enjoying fun in the sun this summer.
IHA will host its second annual Health Equity Action Day, Accelerating Health Equity Across Illinois, on Friday, May 13 from 9-11:30 a.m.
Bestselling author and policy expert Heather McGhee will deliver the keynote address at IHA’s second annual Health Equity Action Day on May 13.
Ted Rogalski, Administrator, Genesis Medical Center, Aledo, became Chair of IHA's 2022 Board of Trustees on Jan. 1, 2022. The Board is the policymaking body for IHA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Illinois Poison Center's newly redesigned website provides easy access to reliable health and safety information for the public and healthcare providers.
In March, Illinois Poison Prevention Month, IPC encourages all Illinoisans to learn about the potential hazards lurking in homes, schools and workplaces.
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.
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.
IHA congratulates State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch on his historic election as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 102nd General Assembly.
IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2021 Board of Trustees. Board officers serve a one-year term beginning January 1, 2021.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IHA urges Illinoisans to vote Yes on a proposed constitutional amendment for a graduated income tax.
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.
Illinois hospitals of all shapes and sizes are the cornerstones of their communities and provide some of the highest quality healthcare in the world.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, which has highlighted glaring health disparities. Illinois’ hospital community is engaged on this issue.
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.
The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) urges people to use caution with cleaning products, especially during the 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.
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.
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.
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.
IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2020 Board of Trustees. Board officers serve a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
The Illinois Poison Center--the nation's oldest poison center--warns of gastrointestinal distress from three common holiday plants.
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.
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.
Nation’s oldest poison center offers rodent removal and prevention safety tips
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.
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.
4th Annual IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 3 highlights statewide efforts to advance patient care, improve communities and reduce costs.
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.
Patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced sepsis infection rates and enhancements in antimicrobial stewardship due to the efforts of two exceptional IHA members.
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.
Karen Harris will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective March 1.
On Jan. 31, IHA will lose its longest serving employee.
The Illinois Health and Hospital Association is pleased to announce its newly elected 2019 Board of Trustees.
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.
The Illinois Poison Center notes an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter.
We are pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the state’s hospital property tax exemption law.
Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO
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.