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.
Proposed legislation establishing limits on the number of patients that can be assigned to registered nurses would save Illinois hospitals about $1.4 billion. Becker's Hospital Review
A proposal in Springfield to impose mandated nurse staffing ratios at Illinois hospitals is raising concerns among healthcare professionals around the state. The Times Weekly (Joliet)
With today marking the 100th day of Gov. Pritzker’s first term, the governor says he’s had some “pretty big wins” like an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. State Journal-Register
The Illinois Department of Public Health is rolling out mobile units and community outreach programs in an effort to increase vaccination rates across the state. WTVO TV
The Trump administration has released its annual rule governing payments to inpatient providers, and in it, takes steps to target rural healthcare and new therapies. Fierce Healthcare
Eric Lewis' plans of expanding his community hospital's reach have been derailed. NPR Illinois
There’s no good news when it comes to predictions of a physician shortage. Fierce Healthcare
Americans are becoming increasingly sedentary, spending almost a third of their waking hours sitting down, and computer use is partly to blame, a new study found. Associated Press
The House Rules Committee will hold a hearing on "Medicare for All" legislation next week, a step forward for the legislation that is gaining ground in the progressive wing of the party. The Hill
The University of Chicago Medical Center and the Advocate Christ Medical Center announced the formation of Southland RISE (Resilience Initiative to Strengthen and Empower). Hyde Park Herald
Two people have died and at least 17 others have been hospitalized in a series of drug overdoses Tuesday on the West and Northwest sides. ABC 7 TV
Graham Hospital School of Nursing has been named the #11 nursing school program out of 78 accredited nursing schools in Illinois by RegisteredNursing.org. Canton Daily Ledger
Pipeline has repeatedly tried to skirt Illinois law, the mayor of Melrose Park writes. Crain's Chicago Business Op-Ed (by Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico)
The Chicago region, like the health care industry, has two choices: Hold on to the past or move to the future where better and more cost-effective care can be provided to everyone. Crain's
At the heart of the debate over closing Westlake Hospital is a simple question: Is the 230-bed facility crucial to maintaining quality medical care in the near west suburbs? Chicago Sun-Times
Every hour, every day, your local hospitals provide life-saving care to everyone who comes through their doors. Chicago Sun-Times Letter to the Editor (by A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO, IHA)
In recent years, many Illinois consumers were socked with steep price increases when buying health insurance on the Obamacare exchange. Chicago Tribune
The financial condition of the government’s bedrock retirement programs for middle- and working-class Americans remains shaky, with Medicare pointed toward insolvency by 2026. Associated Press
The Trump Administration is experimenting with several new primary care payment models, including one that would shift providers to global payments. Fierce Healthcare
Clinicians are poorly prepared to screen and treat patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders, a recent survey found. HealthLeaders Media
Officials at SSM Health hope you'll take advantage of an open house to learn more about a new program they're offering. WSIL TV
Chicago needs more African-American blood donors. Chicago Tribune Editorial
The president and CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, Pamela Dunley, has been named to the Planetree International board of directors. Daily Herald
Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx has joined the fight to a keep open a west suburban hospital that serves many low-income and minority patients. WGN TV
The owners of Westlake Hospital a Cook County judge Monday that they will abide by all the conditions set out in a temporary restraining order issued nearly two weeks ago. ABC 7 TV
CMS Announces Primary Care VBP Models
Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy is urging Illinois lawmakers not to legalize marijuana, warning that the commercialization of pot will have “devastating consequences” for public health. Tribune
The U.S. is on pace to shatter the record of measles cases in any year since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Capital News Illinois
U.S. regulators have approved the first generic nasal spray version of Narran, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses. Associated Press
A pharmacist in Celina, Tenn., was one of 60 people indicted on charges of opioid-related crimes this week, in a multistate sting. NPR
Three months ago, this flu season was shaping up to be short and mild in the U.S. Associated Press
For a patient’s knee replacement, Medicare will pay a hospital $17,000. New York Times
President Trump and Republicans in Congress say they are committed to protecting people with pre-existing medical conditions. New York Times
The battle over the proposed closure of a Melrose Park hospital is a sign of things to come for other community hospitals squeezed by tectonic shifts in health care. Crain's Chicago Business
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office has sided with the village of Melrose Park in its battle to keep Westlake Hospital open. Chicago Sun-Times
Paris Community Hospital, a service of Horizon Health, has been named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the nation by The Chartism Center for Rural Health. Tribune Star
OSF HealthCare’s footprint in Downtown Peoria is going to be larger than expected, and work will soon be underway on the headquarters facility there. Journal Star
CMS FFY2020 Proposed SNF Payment Policy Changes
Since March 2014, 20 state-licensed skilled-care nursing homes have closed for financial reasons. Capitol News Illinois
In 2017, Susan learned that she carries a genetic mutation that may elevate her lifetime risk of developing breast cancer to 72 percent. NPR
U.S. health officials said they will spend $350 million in four states to study ways to best deal with the nation's opioid crisis on the local level. Associated Press
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Thursday that he will introduce legislation that would raise the age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. The Hill
The CEO of Centene called news about the so-called end of the ACA "headline volatility" that shouldn't affect the health insurer's day-to-day operations and growth plan for the future. HealthLeaders
Patients with sickle cell disease, in particular, develop fewer reactions when given blood from donors of similar racial backgrounds. Chicago Tribune
Insurers will still be allowed to "silver load" on the individual market next year, the Trump administration announced yesterday. Axios
Another Kewanee institution hit the 100 year mark this week. Star Courier
A whirlwind week of back-and-forth court rulings over the fate of Westlake Hospital continued Thursday with two courts weighing in on what should happen next. Chicago Tribune
A West Side health care group will increase training to help health care workers get higher-paying jobs with a $3 million grant announced Thursday. Chicago Sun-Times
CMS Issues ACA Exchange 2020 Rule
U.S. Census data released Thursday showed the population in every one of the state's metropolitan areas declined in the past year for the first time. Illinois News Network
OSF HealthCare has been named one of the best employers in the country for 2010, and the highest ranked Illinois-based health care system earning the distinction, for the second year in a row. WMBD
Now come the nation’s largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans that dominate big diverse markets like Florida, Illinois, Texas and New Jersey. Forbes
Eighty-two percent of hospitals used EHR data to support quality improvement from 2015 to 2017, according to a newly-released ONC data brief. EHR Intelligence
U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman of Cincinnati described the action, with 31 doctors facing charges, as the biggest known takedown yet of drug prescribers. Associated Press
They were born without a working germ-fighting system, every infection a threat to their lives. Associated Press
Pregnant women, young men and teens are all part of the rapidly growing number of syphilis patients coming to the Choices Medical Services clinic in the rural southwestern Mo.. Kaiser Health News
The Los Angeles-based owner of Westlake Hospital is now offering to give the hospital to the Village of Melrose Park, following days of court battles over its future. Chicago Tribune
Gregory Spoor got the distressing news about his wife while standing outside her room in the intensive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. New York Times
Pregnant women in Chicago can now get tips and ask questions by texting journalists under a new initiative. Block Club Chicago
RSVP by April 19 for IHA's State Advocacy Day
On April 12, Cook County Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house at its new Arlington Heights Health Center as part of its ongoing plans to expand care into suburban Cook County.
SIHF Part of New Medical Apprenticeship Program
Theresa Prosser, Ashley Buldak and Michael Vogel showed off a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, laundry room and front porch without leaving Advocate BroMenn Medical Center.
FDA: Pediatric Breathing Tube Shortage
Submit Sexual Assault Treatment/Transfer Plans to IDPH
IL House Vote Not Taken on Nurse Staffing Ratios
A new $9.1 million gift to the University of Chicago Medicine will help children who suffer from trauma. WBEZ Radio
Call Your State Rep Now: Vote NO or Present on HB 2604
4th Annual IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 3 highlights statewide efforts to advance patient care, improve communities and reduce costs.
IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase Held Today in Springfield
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.
Sarah Macchiarola will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association as its Vice President, Federal Government Relations, effective Nov. 29.
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.
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.