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

Chicago’s nonprofit hospitals earn and deserve tax exemption

We don't take our tax-exempt status lightly. Crain’s Chicago Business Op-Ed by IHA President & CEO A.J. Wilhelmi

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Chicago’s nonprofit hospitals earn and deserve tax exemption

News Articles

  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Illinois' possible ban on medical equipment cleaner sparks controversy

Illinois lawmakers are working to ban a chemical used to sterilize medical equipment, due to environmental concerns. WICS/WRSP TV Springfield

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Durbin, Duckworth push for oversight

The health concern of EtO, a known carcinogen being released into the environment, entered the federal legislative spotlight due to the efforts of Senators Durbin and Duckworth. Aledo Times Record

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

The urban-rural health divide is costing lives

The health disparities between urban and rural areas aren't getting any better, new studies published in Health Affairs confirm. Axios

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Health program offers free HIV prevention drug to uninsured

The government launched a new program on Tuesday to provide an HIV prevention drug for free to people who need the protection but have no insurance to pay for it. Associated Press

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Senate panel backs Trump’s pick to run FDA

Senate lawmakers moved one step closer to confirming President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FDA, the agency responsible for combating a recent wave of underage vaping. Associated Press

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

A Change in Medicare Has Therapists Alarmed

Medicare revamped its reimbursement policy for physical, occupational and speech therapy in nursing homes. New York Times

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Commentary: You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing the price. So why are health care prices hidden?

In today’s information age, the average person can empower himself or herself with knowledge like never before. Chicago Tribune

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Powerful House panel to hold Medicare for All hearing next week

A powerful House committee announced it will hold a hearing next week on Medicare for All, as well as several other proposals to expand health coverage. The Hill

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Northwestern researcher develops implanted device that automatically releases lifesaving naloxone

An opioid overdose can be a lonely death. Chicago Tribune

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • News from the Web

Flu cases on the rise at Memorial Medical Center

Flu season is about to peak in central Illinois, but a local hospital has already seen more than 80 cases. WICS/WRSP

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Farmers can turn their crop into cash to benefit hospital

Farmers can turn their corn, soybeans and wheat into cash donations to support patients at HSHS St. John's Hospital. WAND TV

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

$52 million rehab hospital proposed for Libertyville

A hospital dedicated to physical rehabilitation for patients recovering from strokes and other conditions is being proposed in Libertyville. Daily Herald

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  • Dec 04, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Amita Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates to expand

Hoffman Estates officials approved construction of a $6 million addition to the Amita Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, an expansion intended to relieve congestion. Daily Herald

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

Centene sells Illinois plans to CVS in next step for WellCare buy

Centene has entered into an agreement to sell its Illinois health plan subsidiary, IlliniCare Health Plan, to CVS Health. Healthcare Dive

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

A new report finds many states are in good shape to weather a recession. Illinois is not one of them

After a couple years of robust tax collections, states across the US are better prepared to weather a potential recession, according to a report that examines states’ savings. Associated Press

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

The Crisis in Youth Suicide

The death of a child is most parents’ worst nightmare, one made even worse when it is self-inflicted. New York Times

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

Prevalence of prediabetes high among U.S. teens, young adults

As many as one in five adolescents and one in four young adults has prediabetes, a new analysis has found. UPI

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

Obesity Might Weaken Some Drugs' Effectiveness Against AFib

Millions of Americans have the potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. HealthDay News

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

Why the Less Disruptive Health Care Option Could Be Plenty Disruptive

The single-payer health plans proposed by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are often assailed as being too disruptive. New York Times

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

Lobbyists guided op-eds against 'Medicare for All' by state lawmakers: Report

Lobbyists were heavily involved in the writing of opinion columns critical of "Medicare for All" by state lawmakers, according to The Washington Post, which cited emails obtained. The Hill

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Touchette Regional Hospital Extends its Behavioral Health Services with the Opening of New Program

Recognizing the need for outpatient behavioral health services, Touchette Regional Hospital is expanding its reach to the Riverbend area with its new Intensive Outpatient Program. River Bender

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

OSF HealthCare initiative aims to address drug use and pregnancy

Drug overdose is currently the leading cause of death in pregnant and postpartum women in Illinois. The Times

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

OSF HealthCare: ‘Meridian owes OSF millions of dollars’

On Friday, OSF HealthCare announced it was terminating services with Meridian. WEEK TV

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • News from the Web

A modest but smart approach to end gun violence in five neighborhoods

The early findings from research on READI Chicago are promising. Chicago Sun-Times Editorial

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  • Dec 03, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 3

Bustos Discusses Rural Priorities with HHS Secretary

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 3
  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

How to fix this trade-off of Illinois hospitals’ property tax breaks in return for charity care

Want to ruin someone’s day? Send her a property tax bill. Chicago Tribune

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Forensic nurses treat victims where health care and law intersect: ‘Some things we can’t un-hear'

They’re called sexual assault nurse examiners, trained to treat and comfort victims who are struggling through the most painful, traumatic time of their life. Post-Tribune/Chicago Tribune Opinion

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

E-cigarette use almost killed Springfield woman

Over the past six years, Katie Johnson survived 10 overdoses and managed to stay away from heroin for two years before e-cigarette use almost killed her last month. State Journal-Register

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

More Illinois primary care physicians embrace medical marijuana as weed use is about to take off.

Dr. Khare is one of at least a handful of Chicago-area doctors who have made medical cannabis a focus of their primary care practices, even as some physicians remain wary of its use. Chicago Tribune

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Michigan, Illinois set to usher in recreational pot sales

James Daly is eager to make marijuana history on Sunday when he plans to legally start selling recreational pot for the first time in the Midwest. Associated Press

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Why mandated nurse-to-patient ratios have become one of the most controversial ideas in healthcare

A 2018 survey—conducted by NursesTakeDC, a group that lobbies for stricter nurse-to-patient ratios—found that only 20% of nurses in the United States feel staffing levels are safe. WHYY Philadelphia

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Poison Control Centers Saw 5,000% Increase In Calls About Kratom Exposure

As Ohio lawmakers debate a bill to regulate the herbal supplement kratom, a new study shows the substance continues to poison and even kill some people. WOSU/NPR

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Opinion: Emergency Rooms Shouldn't Be Parking Lots For Patients

On a good day in the ER, patients who need to be admitted to the hospital might expect to wait four or five hours, including evaluation and treatment, before they are sent to a bed. NPR Illinois

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Senate quicksand engulfs a bipartisan plan that Trump backs

President Donald Trump has vowed to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Politico

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Trump's drug importation plan faces resistance in US, Canada

President Trump’s proposal to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada faces significant headwinds from U.S. pharmaceutical companies and the Canadian government. The Hill

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Drinking-related liver disease and deaths on the rise in U.S.

Americans today are expected to live shorter lives than just a few years ago and rising deaths from alcohol-related liver disease may be partly to blame. Reuters Health

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Study: For babies born with HIV, start treatment right away

When babies are born with HIV, starting treatment within hours to days is better than waiting even the few weeks to months that’s the norm in many countries, researchers reported. Associated Press

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

U.S. birth rate falls for 4th year in a row

The good news: Fewer teens are having babies. NBC News

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

'Food Pharmacies' In Clinics: When The Diagnosis Is Chronic Hunger

There's a new question that anti-hunger advocates want doctors and nurses to ask patients: Do you have enough food? NPR Illinois

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Health Plans For State Employees Use Medicare‘s Hammer On Hospital Bills

States. They‘re just as perplexed as the rest of us over the ever-rising cost of health care premiums. Stock Daily Dish

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Chicago officials urge flu vaccine before peak season

Health officials in Chicago say it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Associated Press

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Edward Hospital recognized for nursing excellence a fourth time

For the fourth time, the American Nurses Credentialing Center this week named Edward Hospital in Naperville a Magnet hospital, the highest national honor for professional nursing. Naperville Sun

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Safe sleep practices key to reducing SIDS risk in infants

Educating new parents on safe infant sleep practices is an ongoing effort for US health professionals as they strive to reduce the 3,500 annual deaths attributed to SIDS. Journal Courier

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Pinckneyville Community Hospital honored for excellence

During a Nov. 13 ceremony in Champaign, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recognized Pinckneyville Community Hospital for its commitment to exceptional quality of care. KFVS TV

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

Morris Hospital urges proper use of antibiotics

Antibiotics aren’t always the best medicine. Morris Herald

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • Member News Spotlight

East Peoria teen gives back at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois

Ivan Tharp was back on familiar territory Wednesday at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Pekin Daily News

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

South Asians make up 60 percent of heart disease patients

Munaf Patel is an active husband and father. Chicago Tribune

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • News from the Web

Heart transplant patient with possibly days to live weds high school sweetheart in hospital chapel

Friends, family and hospital staff at University of Chicago Medical Center squeezed into a chapel on the hospital’s seventh floor to celebrate the wedding of a 23-year-old patient. Chicago Tribune

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  • Dec 02, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 2

IHA Comments on 340B Proposed Survey

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Dec. 2
  • Nov 28, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 28

CDC on Possible EVALI-Vitamin E Acetate Link

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 28
  • Nov 27, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 27

CDC on Possible EVALI-Vitamin E Acetate Link

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 27
  • Nov 26, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Mercyhealth wins appeal on building new Crystal Lake hospital

Javon Bea, President and CEO of Mercyhealth, said the hospital will break ground "as soon as the frost leaves the ground" in spring 2020. Northwest Herald

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  • Nov 26, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 26

FDA Announces Next Steps on EtO

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 26
  • Nov 25, 2019
  • News from the Web

Gun Deaths in the U.S. Have Spiked Since 2014, Young People Most Likely to Be Killed

Research has revealed a rise in fatal shootings in the U.S. since 2014, with young people disproportionately killed. Newsweek

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  • Nov 25, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

Illini Community Hospital recognized for Quality Measures

Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield was recently recognized a top 10 performer in the US for improving Illinois’ quality of healthcare in rural areas. KHQA TV

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  • Nov 25, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

UChicago Touts Early Numbers On Anti-Violence Program

“We're learning READI is finding the right guys, they're taking up the program and they're sticking with the program,” said the University of Chicago Crime Lab's Senior Research Director. WBEZ Radio

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  • Nov 25, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 25

IHA Programs on Recreational Cannabis Dec. 5

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 25
  • Nov 22, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

The challenge to cut Chicago's 30-year life expectancy gap in half by 2030

Your ZIP code determines your lifespan, according to researchers. ABC 7 TV

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  • Nov 22, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 22

IHA Issues Price Transparency Memo

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 22
  • Nov 21, 2019
  • IL Hospitals Doing More

One-stop rural health care site nearly ready to open at OSF Center for Health-Streator

The OSF Center for Health in Streator is nearing completion of a $30.5 million renovation, with an open house planned 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. The Times

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  • Nov 21, 2019
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: Nov. 21

RSVP for IHA's Cook County Board Reception Dec. 17

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  • 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.

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  • Nov 15, 2019
  • News from the Web

Bill to cap insulin costs passed by Illinois Senate, heads to governor's desk

The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday afternoon that would cap the cost of insulin in the state. WIFR

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  • Nov 14, 2019
  • News from the Web

Bill phasing out ethylene oxide in densely populated areas of Illinois fails in committee

A bill to phase out the use of ethylene oxide except in sparsely populated areas of the state is headed back to the negotiating table after failing in a Senate committee. Capital News Illinois

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  • 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 09, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on HHS Proposed Rules on Reforms to Support Value-Based Care and Coordinated Care

IHA applauds HHS for taking meaningful action to update the Physician Self-Referral Law (the “Stark Law”) and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute with its proposed changes to regulations.

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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

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  • 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.

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  • Aug 07, 2019
  • News from the Web

Doctors Argue Plans To Remedy Surprise Medical Bills Will ‘Shred’ The Safety Net

Chances are, you or someone you know has gotten a surprise medical bill. Kaiser Health News

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  • Aug 06, 2019
  • News from the Web

Medicaid managed care reforms signed into law

Gov. Pritzker said people applying for Medicaid benefits in Illinois will see those applications processed more quickly and healthcare providers will be paid more promptly. Capitol News Illinois

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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
  • 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.

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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.

Read More About MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award