Health Care

Patricia Butterfield to step down as nursing school dean

WSU administrator plans to return to faculty role

October 23, 2014

Patricia Butterfield, dean of Washington State University's College of Nursing, will leave the dean post and return to a faculty role next April. She currently directs nursing education at WSU's campuses in Spokane, Vancouver, Tri-Cities, and Yakima

CareUnity brings in its first chief medical officer

Organization to step up efforts to meet 'triple aim'

October 23, 2014

Linn Parish

CareUnity, the accountable-care organization developed two years ago by Group Health Cooperative and Providence Health Care, has hired Dr. Jeffrey Liles as its chief medical officer.

Working toward a more educated RN workforce

Goal is for more nurses to earn four-year degrees

October 23, 2014

Linda Tieman

Washington state's nursing leaders are continuing to make momentous progress toward reaching the national goal of creating a highly educated, diverse nursing workforce that will be better prepared to take care of all people now and in the future.

Private nursing agency at home with young patients

Provider focuses on care for medically fragile kids

October 23, 2014

Mike McLean

Spokane Valley-based Pediatric Home Care Inc. focuses on enhancing the quality of life of medically fragile children, by helping young patients to live at home despite their needs for intensive medical intervention, says Ruth Seignemartin, administrator a

For small businesses, it's almost time to SHOP

Health-plan options set to increase starting Jan. 1

October 23, 2014

Katy Durning

The Small Employer Health Options Program (SHOP) will open Jan. 1 across Washington state for the first time.

CHAS leases lower South Hill space for new health clinic

Center to offer primary care, possibly specialty services

October 23, 2014

Katie Ross

Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS), the Spokane-based nonprofit provider of medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services, has leased almost 6,000 square feet of space in the South Perry District for a new clinic, says spokeswoman

Research probes sleep cycle, cancer treatment link

Timing drugs to patient's internal clock could increase efficiency

October 23, 2014

Katie Ross

A researcher at Washington State University Spokane is studying the way the body's biological regulatory system, called the circadian clock, influences skin cancer and the treatments used for it.

Weight loss surgery surge

More insurers now said to be covering procedures

October 23, 2014

Judith Spitzer

Last year at this time, Mari Shay, a registered nurse at the Rockwood Weight Loss Surgery Center in Spokane, weighed in at about 100 pounds heavier than she does today. Shay says she was prediabetic, her cholesterol was rising, and she suffered from hypog

North Side orthopedic practice sues Providence Health

Filing alleges bad faith during acquisition talks

October 9, 2014

Linn Parish

A Spokane orthopedic practice has brought a lawsuit against Providence Health & Services, Providence Holy Family Hospital, and Providence Medical Group, alleging unlawful and predatory practices. Lukins & Annis PS, the Spokane law firm representing Ortho

Washington Health Benefit Exchange adds staff for next rush

Call center here expected to grow to 242 employees

October 9, 2014

Mike McLean

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange and its customer-service contractor here are bulking up their staffs in anticipation of the next open enrollment period for plans offered through Washington Healthplanfinder, says Richard Onizuka, CEO for the exchang