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.
The Biden administration appears headed toward extending the COVID public health emergency for another three months, allowing special powers and programs to continue past the midterms. AXIOS
In a move years in the making, the FDA on Tuesday issued a final rule allowing over-the-counter sales of hearing aids to adults with mild or moderate hearing loss. AXIOS
The rate of active medical interventions to save very premature infants increased significantly across the United States from 2014 to 2020, a new study says. UPI
CDC Plans Overhaul After COVID Response Failures
President Biden signed into law the $740 billion reconciliation bill, which includes an increase in taxes on large corporations, address climate change and lower prescription drug costs. AXIOS
Year-end spending bills often contain "extenders" that delay cuts to hospitals that treat the poorest communities. But lawmakers may be hard-pressed to justify the price this time. AXIOS
Illinois is launching the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to better meet the needs of older adults across Illinois. WSIL
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has won a months-long battle for control of Covid-19 hospital data, a rare victory during its pandemic response. Bloomberg
President Joe Biden will sign Democrats’ landmark climate change and health care bill on Tuesday, delivering what he has called the “final piece” of his pared-down domestic agenda. AP
Braden Health is buying hospital buildings worth millions of dollars for next to nothing with a promise to keep running them as health centers serving their communities. WUIS
The Joint Commission has established new accreditation standards to accelerate equity efforts within healthcare organizations. Crain's Chicago Business
IHA Comments on CY 2023 HH Proposed Rule
Cook County is back to medium COVID transmission level under federal standards as case rates dip, but viral hospitalizations and deaths across Illinois remain near five-month highs. Chicago Sun-Times
House Democrats passed their sweeping tax, climate and health care bill on Friday, sending the $740 billion legislation to President Biden’s desk. The Hill
A group of community health centers will follow best practices for efforts to boost visits for HIV, viral hepatitis, latent tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections. Crain's Chicago Business
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Saturday that it renamed variants of the virus monkeypox as it looks to counter concerns about the original naming conventions. The Hill
It was relatively quiet the morning of July Fourth at Highland Park Hospital. That all changed within a few hours, after a gunman fired into the town’s Fourth of July parade. Chicago Tribune
House Sends Inflation Reduction Act to President
USDA Rural Development Illinois State Director Betsy Dirksen Londrigan announced that USDA is awarding $2.7 million in grants to improve health care facilities in rural Illinois towns. WSIL
According to the CDC, its COVID guidance is streamlined to help people understand risk, how to protect themselves, what actions to take if exposed, and actions to take if sick or test positive. WAND
The health care, climate, and tax bill expected to pass the House won’t be as sweeping as Democrats hoped, but it would help millions of Americans afford prescription drugs and health insurance. KHN
New data emerging from some states and localities closely tracking monkeypox outbreaks show extreme racial disparities that are alarming experts. STAT
The Mount Sinai Health System began an effort to build a vast database of patient genetic information that can be studied by researchers — and by a large pharmaceutical company. The New York Times
CDC Relaxes COVID-19 Guidelines
Saying a federal appeals court mistakenly created a “watershed moment” that could cost taxpayers, Illinois AG Kwame Raoul sides with insurance titans that administer healthcare reimbursements. BGA
The Biden administration is expected to extend the Covid public health emergency, ensuring federal measures expanding access to health coverage, vaccines and treatments beyond the midterms. POLITICO
While the economy experienced record-breaking inflation, price increases in health care have been relatively subdued — which could end as Medicare and other payers adjust to new economics. POLITICO
HHS is investing $60 million in programs aiming to grow the healthcare workforce and increase access to care in rural communities. Becker's Hospital Review
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will ask members of the House to pass without changes a $430 billion climate and prescription drug bill approved by U.S. Senate over the weekend. Reuters
AHRQ Brief on Nurses’ Role in Diagnostic Process
IHA Leadership Summit: Strategies for Leading Change
Complete the 2022 Racial Equity Progress Report by 9/30
Senate Passes Democratic Reconciliation Bill
DHS Publishes ‘988’ Frequently Asked Questions
Antibiotic Stewardship Program for Hospitals, LTCFs
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 first COVID shots for U.S. infants, toddlers and preschoolers moved a step closer. The FDA’s vaccine advisers gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the littlest kids. AP
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.
The CDC continues to work with health departments and clinicians nationwide to identify and investigate hepatitis of unknown cause impacting children. WSIL
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.
Research shows that racial and ethnic inequalities have cost the U.S. economy $51 trillion in lost economic output in the past 30 years. Crain’s Chicago Business
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.
There is no evidence that sunlight can cure coronavirus on the human body. New York Times
Many hospitals are struggling financially right now, and in some cases, jobs are on the line. CBS 2 TV
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.
The phones are ringing off at the State of Illinois’ coronavirus hotline. CBS Chicago
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.
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.