A dental provider-type that started in Alaska is paving the way for improved care for the American Indian and Alaska Native population throughout Washington State. During the 2017 legislative session, SB 5079 was approved to allow tribes to access federal money for the use of this dental provider –  dental health aide therapists (DHATs). A...Continue reading→

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule Tuesday that would ban Title X Family Planning Program providers, including Planned Parenthood, from either providing or referring patients for abortions. The policy (briefly in effect previously) is known as a “gag rule” because it bars caregivers at facilities receiving family planning funds...Continue reading→

Kaiser Permanente recognizes the impact of housing instability on health outcomes. They are making $200 million in impact investments toward affordable housing in communities where Kaiser Permanente exists, which includes eight states, including Washington, and the District of Columbia. They will partner with community development finance institutions and developers to ensure people can preserve or...Continue reading→

We were pleased to join a group of 42 other health care advocacy groups in a “friend of the court” brief in support of California laws to protect immigrants from federal deportation. In U.S. v. California, the Trump Administration seeks a federal court injunction against these state laws. The amicus brief focuses on the sweeping public...Continue reading→

Governor Inslee recently released a five-year plan to transform Washington’s mental health system, calling for the transition of care from large mental health institutions (Western and Eastern State Hospitals) into smaller, regional state-run facilities. Patients referred to the hospitals by civil courts or regional mental health systems would move into the smaller facilities and private...Continue reading→