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.
State legislators and community leaders called on Gov. JB Pritzker to reopen shuttered health care facilities in Melrose Park and Springfield during the COVID-19 pandemic. WGN TV
The action coincides with 937 more cases of the respiratory disease confirmed in Illinois and 26 new deaths. Daily Herald
The state has made a concerted effort to release prison inmates early to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 behind bars, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday. Chicago Tribune
COVID-19 cases in Illinois could exceed 19,000 in about a week, but that’s far less than the 147,000 cases the state could have seen if residents had not retreated to their homes. Chicago Tribune
Illinois has become another national hot spot for coronavirus, with a surging number of confirmed cases. Most are in Cook County, the region that is home to Chicago. WTTW TV
Northwestern Medicine, UIC and Cook County Health are testing an Ebola drug to treat coronavirus patients. Crain’s Chicago Business
President Trump warned Americans as the White House projected there could be 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the US even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained. Associated Press
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Tuesday that girding for an influx of coronavirus patients will have a “profound impact” on the finances of the health system. Chicago Sun-Times
As the rising tide of sick people overwhelms hospitals and infects doctors and nurses, officials across the country and around the world have asked retired healthcare workers to help. New York Times
An emergency call was activated by Illinois officials looking for medical professionals to staff at least one alternate-care site being set up in advance of the COVID-19 peak period. Quad City Times
Illinois public health officials announce close to 6,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases across 54 counties, there are renewed calls for more frontline hospital staff. Channel 25 TV
Several Chicago hospitals have moved critical care beds into unused spaces to handle an expected influx of coronavirus patients. Chicago Sun-Times
The federal government announced it was relaxing many of its usual safety standards for hospitals so they could expand services to fight the coronavirus pandemic. New York Times
Pana Community Hospital – about an hour south east of Springfield – is preparing to treat patients sick with COVID-19. NPR Illinois
Work to turn the shuttered Sherman Hospital site in Elgin into a facility for non-acute COVID-19 patients will take place as quickly as possible, officials said. Daily Herald
Healthcare workers across Illinois and nationwide are in need of personal protective equipment, or PPE, as they work on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. NBC 5 TV
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign engineers created an easily-manufactured, disposable and portable emergency ventilator to help hospitals with COVID-19 patients. Chicago Sun-Times
Listen to audio. WBEZ Radio
As more Americans are urged to stay at home amid the COVID-19 crisis, it’s not just physical health that’s going largely digital—it's behavioral health, too. Fierce Healthcare
This pandemic is expected to drain more than $7 million from llinois's leading community-based mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disability providers. Patch
Long before she contracted COVID-19 at a Kirkland, Washington, nursing home, Barbara Dreyfuss made sure to document the wishes that would govern how she died. Kaiser Health News
Within days, Vicktery Zimmerman had figured out how to connect with friends and family even as she and her husband shelter in place at their Chicago home. Associated Press
Three months ago, no one knew that SARS-CoV-2 existed. The Atlantic
Medline said in a statement Friday that it brought three shifts a day back to work at the facility, sterilizing medical devices with ethylene oxide. Crain’s Chicago Business
One day after Illinois saw its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, the state reported yet another climb, topping 5,000 confirmed cases on Monday. NBC Chicago
As Illinois’ confirmed COVID-19 cases eclipsed 5,000 on Monday, Gov. Pritzker said there still aren’t enough tests available even as several new testing sites opened recently. Chicago Sun-Times
Gov. Pritzker said the White House sent Illinois hundreds of thousands of the wrong masks as the state saw eight more deaths and the spread of COVID-19 into half of its counties. Chicago Sun-Times
Sangamon County Public Health officials made the announcement Monday, March 30. WICS/WRSP TV
The Cook County sheriff’s office announced 33 more detainees at the Cook County Jail tested positive for COVID-19, raising the total number of confirmed cases among detainees to 134. NBC 5 TV
The coronavirus crisis in nursing homes has spread to a Carol Stream senior living community grappling with seven confirmed cases of COVID-19. Daily Herald
The Chicago Medical Society, an organization that represents more than 17,000 doctors, says that as of Monday, Chicago intensive care units are full. WTTW TV
Before the pandemic, few Americans gave much thought to telemedicine. Chicago Sun-Times
As the number of cases rises, Gov. JB Pritzker has put out an urgent call for licensed and retired healthcare workers to volunteer in the fight against COVID-19. WLS
As hospitals brace for a surge in COVID-19 cases, some are looking to make room by sending their youngest patients elsewhere. WBEZ Radio
Illinois and the US Army Corps of Engineers will convert the former Sherman Hospital in Elgin into a temporary overflow facility to ease the COVID-19 cases strain in area hospitals. Chicago Tribune
Per IDPH's request, The Tri-County Health Department representatives shared how many cases are being seen at OSF St. Francis and UnityPoint Methodist, Proctor and Pekin. Channel 25 NBC
NorthShore University HealthSystem has canceled elective surgeries, turned outpatient sites into screening centers and aggressively ramped up its testing capabilities. Health News Illinois
The wave of coronavirus that has inundated America’s coasts is about to hit the heartland. Belleville News Democrat
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, a group of anesthesiologists wants to convert America’s surgery centers into critical care units for infected patients. Kaiser Health News
A wrenching conflict is emerging as the COVID-19 virus storms through U.S. communities: Some patients are falling into a no man’s land between hospitals and nursing homes. Kaiser Health News
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration abruptly shut down sales of at-home coronavirus test kits earlier this month but some companies say they haven’t given up. USA Today
Transient slaughterhouse workers still fill the rooms at the Budget Inn in the small central Illinois town, but the motel owner admits, beyond that business is very slow. Chicago Sun-Times
Farmers State Bank in Marion normally deals in cash and coins, but on Monday the only currency exchanged was kindness and care. WSIL TV
A parade of vehicles pass through the parking lot at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, Illinois to show their support for doctors and nurses during the coronavirus pandemic. Belleville News-Democrat
Across Southern Illinois, people are reporting for COVID-19 pandemic duty with an unlikely weapon: their sewing machines. The Southern
CMS Announces New Waivers and Regulatory Changes
Governor JB Pritzker announced the “Care Comes First” action plan. KFVS TV
After poverty advocates gave Gov. Pritzker a list of recommendations to improve access to healthcare, income supports and housing, state government has moved on a number of fronts. Chicago Reporter
Illinois officials directed districts statewide to implement concrete remote learning plans for all schools starting Tuesday; a new order suspended standardized testing. Chicago Sun-Times
The Waukegan plant reopening follows an Atlanta Sterigenics EtO plant reopening for 21 days to sterilize devices and products needed during the COVID-19 crisis. Medical Design & Outsourcing
Governor Pritzker says Illinois will soon more than double the number of coronavirus tests it can administer daily as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state surges. ABC 7 TV
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Sunday that Illinois will soon more than double the number of daily COVID-19 tests it can administer as the number of cases surged. Associated Press
An Illinois infant with COVID-19 has died, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Saturday. Associated Press
WJOL has learned of a situation that may be growing at the Stateville Correctional Center as it pertains to Covid-19. WJOL
Abbott announced it received approval for a COVID-19 test capable of delivering positive results in as little as five minutes; it will begin making the tests available next week. CNBC
Illinois manufacturers are revamping production to make face masks, thermometers and more as the fight against the new coronavirus pandemic escalates. Chicago Tribune
The disposable masks, gloves and gowns needed to protect healthcare workers from the highly contagious disease have become a public symbol of the crisis. Chicago Tribune
An unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic package supports businesses, gets resources to healthcare providers and helps struggling families during the coronavirus epidemic. Associated Press
The billions of tax dollars headed for hospitals and states won’t fix the problem facing doctors and nurses: a critical shortage of protective gowns, gloves and masks. Associated Press
Trump referred several times to researchers' earlier projections that as many as 2.2 million people could die in the US, a worst case scenario if the US took no steps to fight COVID-19. Politico
In Chicago, the Army Corps of Engineers was preparing to erect 2,500 patient quarters throughout McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. MSN News
A new analysis says healthcare premiums could increase as much as 40 percent next year if the pandemic results in millions of Americans needing hospital stays. New York Times
The Army Corps of Engineers is working to convert Chicago’s McCormick Place into a makeshift hospital for around 3,000 coronavirus patients, a top agency official said. Chicago Tribune
Chicago is among several large American cities identified as hot spots for COVID-19 and will see the number of local cases rise, the US surgeon general said Friday. Associated Press
Twice a day a psychiatry professor at the University of Chicago checks his inbox for the latest count of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients at the university's medical center. Yahoo News
Mercyhealth is prepared to ramp up hospital staffing and bed capacity if the region faces a surge of patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. Journal Standard
Starting Friday, Carle Hospital will start offering COVID-19 testing on site. WAND TV
Researchers at Carle and the University of Illinois have developed a prototype emergency ventilator that could help fill a commercial ventilator shortage across the U.S. News Gazette
The University of Illinois is heavily involved in the US' effort to combat COVID-19, including testing, supercomputing resources, hand sanitizer and modeling the pandemic’s impact. News Gazette
McHenry County entities have been working together to prepare and increase hospital capacity if more beds are needed as the COVID-19 pandemic expands in the area. Northwest Herald
Knox County reported its first case of COVID-19 and experts wonder whether hospital systems will be able to handle massive influxes of patients infected with the virus. The Register Mail
Riverside Healthcare’s top official said the hospital is ready for an influx of patients should there be a surge in local COVID-19 cases. Daily Journal
Illinois Department of Public Health and Quincy Area EMS are looking for volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. WGEM TV
Members of the community have stepped up to help support staff members of Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. WCJS Radio
As coronavirus spreads through the U.S., one local hospital is seeking help from the community. WSIU/NPR
Staying at home has proven difficult for antsy Chicagoans who are suddenly spending large spans of time indoors in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Chicago Tribune
In 1990, the Federal government declared March 30 to be “National Doctors’ Day,” enshrining into law a day that had already been unofficially celebrated since 1933. Forbes
Illinois COVID-19 Update
Forget what you thought you knew about the state of Illinois' economy, because the impact may be even worse than the 2008 recession. ABC 20 TV (WICS/WRSP)
Illinois experienced its largest single-day death toll from the coronavirus outbreak Thursday as state health officials reported seven more people have died. Daily Herald
Gov. JB Pritzker is on a pace to set a modern-day record for issuing the most executive orders by an Illinois governor. Star Courier
President Donald Trump issued a federal disaster declaration for the State of Illinois Thursday, as health officials say there are now 2,538 cases of COVID-19 across the state. WGN TV
FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available for Illinois to supplement the state, tribes and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019. WCIA
U.S. House of Representatives leaders are determined to pass a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Friday to provide the quickest help possible as deaths mount and the economy reels. Reuters
Congress is on the verge of approving a massive funding bill that would steer cash to the nation’s hospitals that are or soon will be struggling to cope with COVID-19. Kaiser Health News
The $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed by the Senate includes $4.9 billion in direct assistance to Illinois’ state and local governments, US Sens. Durbin and Duckworth said. Chicago Tribune
After spiking a fever and suffering an intense cough, Stuart Nissenbaum said he was tested for the coronavirus at a local drive-thru screening site on March 18. Chicago Tribune
Doctors and nurses face a critical shortage of ventilators and health officials have given them and equipment manufacturers the go-ahead to get creative with other breathing equipment. ABC 7 News
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal and Advocate Eureka Hospital in Eureka have erected tents to handle a possible surge of patients as COVID-19 spreads in Central Illinois. Pantagraph
As more cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to spread throughout the United States, health care leaders are jumping into action to help test patients and treat those affected. AHA
UIC at Chicago is on the front line in the fight against COVID-19 after staff began testing an antiviral drug Wednesday that could help hospitalized patients. Chicago Sun-Times
OSF Healthcare doctors are actually seeing a smaller number of patients amid the COVID-19 outbreak. WMBD Radio
Our world turned upside down on Jan. 19, when the first positive coronavirus case was reported in America. The Herald Whig Letter to the Editor
Amanda Ramsey of Du Quoin is no stranger to hospitals. DuQuoin Call
Illinois health facilities that serve low-income and minority communities face financial chaos because they’ve canceled most routine doctor visits in an attempt to stymie COVID-19. Associated Press
The number of hospitalized patients is expected to peak nationally by the second week of April, though the peak may come later in some states. Reuters
In a letter to the nation's governors, Trump said new guidelines are meant to enable state and local leaders to make decisions about social distancing and other measures. Associated Press
After 43 years as a family physician in Mount Prospect, Dr. John Sage decided to hang up his stethoscope more than a year ago for a quiet life in retirement. Daily Herald
House Passes COVID-19 Relief Package
Illinois state lawmakers have canceled their scheduled session for next week. The General Assembly was expected to come back to the Capitol on March 31. WGEM TV
The Senate passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press
The Trump administration will have wide latitude to distribute $100 billion in emergency funding to hospitals bracing for the coronavirus under a massive stimulus package. Politico
Illinois US Sen. Durbin said a $2.2 trillion federal stimulus package to offset some of the economic damage caused by COVID-19 puts our hospitals and healthcare professionals first. Chicago Tribune
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced 330 more cases of COVID-19 in Illinois and three deaths at a Wednesday briefing where he also extended the state's April 15 tax filing date by three months. Daily Herald
With a heavy hand, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot reminded residents the stay-at-home order is not an option during a Wednesday afternoon update on the COVID-19 pandemic. ABC 7 TV
IHA and its 200 member hospitals and nearly 40 health systems, called on Illinoisans to help hospitals prevent a surge of COVID-19 patients by protecting themselves, their neighbors. Star Courier
La Salle County has had three confirmed cases of COVID-19 — and each individual is said to be recovering at home in isolation. The Times
Four more Chicago hotels have agreed to rent rooms to isolate patients who test positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone who has. Chicago Sun-Times
Millions of coronavirus tests will be produced in suburban Chicago, the result of breakneck work by scientists and the decision of FDA to approve new products. Chicago Sun-Times
Three companies that marketed and sold unauthorized COVID-19 test kits are under congressional scrutiny, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said Wednesday. Daily Herald
The Washington Post spoke to doctors throughout the country who say shortages of medical equipment and supplies could cost lives. Washington Post
Residents and community leaders are organizing meal deliveries. Daily Herald
llinois COVID-19 Update
State Offers Economic Help During COVID-19 Crisis
Blessing Physician Services, Hannibal Clinic and Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL, are offering telehealth visits for those with appropriate conditions. KHQA TV
CMS Approves Illinois’ 1135 Waiver Request
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.
Gov. Pritzker Purchases Millions of PPE
Governor Orders Illinoisans to Stay at Home
Hospitals make a great impact on an area, on a community, and it’s not just in keeping people healthy and safe. Times-Republic
“We work closely with our local health department to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Ed Cunningham, CEO of Gateway Regional Medical Center. Advantage
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.
Wilhelmi Asks for N95, Face Mask Donations
Illinois hospitals face the possibility of widespread bed shortages if the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread through the state. Propublica Illinois
Action Needed: COVID-19 Advocacy Alert
The Trump administration scrambled to broaden COVID-19 testing with a flurry of new measures, and public confusion persisted over who should be tested and how to get checked. Associated Press
Hospitals across the Chicago area have begun restricting visitors amid the state’s COVID-19 outbreak to protect the health of patients and limit the virus’ spread. Chicago Sun-Times
Testing for the novel coronavirus is still restricted in Sangamon County on Sunday, despite the first two confirmed cases being announced Saturday evening. NPR Illinois
NorthShore University HealthSystem can now rapidly test its own patients for COVID-19, the first medical network in the state with the ability to do so as the disease spreads. WBEZ Radio
OSF HealthCare has launched an updated digital solution to help educate and triage people who are concerned about COVID-19. Rockford Register Star
"The State is taking aggressive measures to help limit the spread of the virus as the number of positive cases we report each day is increasing,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. Morris Herald
During a CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity Call, presenters will focus on current information about COVID-19 as it relates to long-term care facilities, including nursing homes
A patient receives attention at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Modern Healthcare
Rush University Medical Center is among providers that have complained the county owes them money. Crain’s Chicago Business
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington is treating a McHenry County teenager who has tested positive for the first of two cases of coronavirus outside of Cook County. Northwest Herald
The phones are ringing off at the State of Illinois’ coronavirus hotline. CBS Chicago
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.
Democratic Gov. Pritzker’s administration is lagging behind on a promised hiring spree to help tackle Illinois’ backlog of applications for the government-run Medicaid health insurance program. WBEZ
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.
The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday afternoon that would cap the cost of insulin in the state. WIFR
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.
Chances are, you or someone you know has gotten a surprise medical bill. Kaiser Health News
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
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.
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.