Don’t Miss Your Opportunity – State Advocacy Day Room Block Deadline April 21
Headed into the second half of the spring legislative session, state lawmakers are making critical decisions that directly impact Illinois’ hospitals and health systems. IHA remains engaged with legislators on the hospital community’s top advocacy priorities, but policymakers want to hear directly from their hospital and health system leaders on their most important issues.

Successful outcomes on these priorities require clear, coordinated advocacy from hospitals across the state, making it critical you join us for IHA’s annual Hospital Advocacy Day in Springfield on Wednesday, May 13. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by May 1. This is a yearly opportunity for you to meet face-to-face with your state lawmakers and reinforce the hospital community’s priorities. 

The room block deadline is quickly approaching—reservations must be confirmed by April 21. Rooms have been reserved at SpringHill Suites Springfield Southwest and the adjacent Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield Southwest. 

IHA will coordinate meetings with your legislators; please indicate in the RSVP form which state legislators you would like to meet with and your order of preference. The day will begin with a hospital leader briefing at 7:30 a.m. CT at Vinegar Hill Mall, 107 W. Cook Street, Springfield. Parking is available at their west side lot and along Cook Street.  

Staff contacts: Stacey Dunlap, Nichole Magalis

Recalls: Xanax, Medical Action Industries Syringes, American Contract System Kits
Xanax, a popular prescription anxiety medication, has been recalled nationwide, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The distributor has recalled 3-milligram tablets of Xanax XR that is sold in 60-tablet bottles after they “failed dissolution specifications,” which can affect how much of the drug is released and absorbed over time, making the effects of the drug less predictable. The recall is classified as Class II, which indicates “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

The FDA also sent Early Alerts on two Class I recalls, which indicates use of the devices may lead to serious injury or death. American Contract Systems and Medical Action Industries issued recall notifications recommending removal of certain American Contract Systems convenience kits that contain Namic Angiographic Control Syringes with Rotating Adaptor. Affected syringes have the potential to loosen or disconnect during use, which could result in air embolism. As of March 13, Medline Industries has reported four serious injuries and no deaths associated with this issue. 

Strategies for CAH Financial and Operational Performance Improvement
Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are essential to maintaining healthcare access in rural communities but face ongoing financial and operational challenges related to low patient volume, workforce constraints, and reimbursement limitations. Funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to evaluate the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program, a recently published brief, “Strategies for Critical Access Hospital Financial and Operational Performance Improvement: A Systematic Review,” synthesizes evidence on hospital-level strategies that may strengthen the financial sustainability of CAHs.

The findings suggest that targeted interventions—such as optimizing service mix, improving revenue cycle processes, implementing innovative staffing and telehealth models, and leveraging partnerships or economies of scale—can contribute to improved financial performance. However, authors noted that evidence varies widely, and no single strategy is universally effective, with outcomes highly dependent on hospital characteristics, community needs, and local market conditions.

These results underscore the importance of flexible, context-specific approaches. CAH leaders can use the brief’s information to inform planning, prioritize investments, and support sustainable rural healthcare delivery.

CMS Updates LEAD Model Request for Applications, Will Host Office Hour
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) this week released an updated request for applications for the Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model. Applications are due May 17. The agency will host an office hour April 21 at noon CT for prospective applicants. During the office hour CMS will address FAQs about eligibility, participation requirements, financial methodology, quality measures, and the application process and timeline. Participants can also submit questions in advance.

The Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data. IDPH also tracks COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus information through the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.

Briefly Noted

Leading the News

Carle Health commits $8 million to Pekin Hospital updates. Here’s the plan

Journal Star

Carle Health plans to make a long-term “commitment to the Pekin community” with investments and improvements to its Pekin Hospital facilities.

Insight Hospital stepping in to fill gap for West Suburban patients, seeing patients in River Forest

ABC 7

There is new information for former patients at West Suburban Hospital and how they may be able to continue their care. The ABC7 I-Team has learned another safety net hospital system, Insight Hospital and Medical Center, is working to fill the gap for patients left high and dry after West Suburban abruptly closed nearly three weeks ago. West Suburban’s parent company now owes more than $100 million dollars to taxpayers.

IL Senate passes bill expanding access to menopause treatment, addressing healthcare provider bias

WAND

The Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation Thursday to help women receive proper medical treatment for menopause. Healthcare professionals in Illinois are already required to complete a one-hour implicit bias training during their license renewal period. However, this bill would allow a course covering perimenopause and menopause to satisfy the requirement.

IL Senate passes bill requiring 988 info in public buildings, suicide prevention curriculum in health courses

WAND

State senators unanimously passed a bill Thursday to improve access to suicide prevention services. Sponsors said 988 information should be visible in county shelter care homes, daycares, public libraries, colleges, hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. This comes as 1,500 lives are lost to suicide in Illinois each year.