REGISTER: IHA, Medical Solutions Workforce Strategy Forum Aug. 27
From stabilizing the healthcare workforce to strengthening teams, a complimentary in-person event will outline strategies to support staff and patients, hospital operations, and organizational performance. IHA, Medical Solutions and Exigent Medical Education are jointly offering “Shaping the Future Healthcare Workforce: A Leadership Forum” from 9 a.m.-4 pm. CT on Aug. 27 at Northern Illinois University’s Naperville campus.

The forum is designed for hospital and health system executives and HR, physician, and nursing leaders. It will feature experts from Medical Solutions, an IHA Strategic Partner since 2018, and national speaker Kathleen Bartholomew, RN, MN. She will deliver the keynote session on building cohesion to drive collective performance. Other sessions will be:

• “Stabilizing the Healthcare Workforce: From Crisis Response to Long-Term Strategy” by Erin MacKenzie, Vice President of Solution Engineering with Medical Solutions;
• “Beyond Nursing: Why Allied Staffing Is Now an Operational Imperative” by Matthew Neal, Vice President of Allied Health with Medical Solutions; and
• “Illinois-Specific Workforce Discussion and Q&A” by IHA’s Lance Kovacs, Assistant Vice President, Health Policy and Regulation, and Lia Daniels, Senior Director, Health Policy and Finance.

There is no fee to attend. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and continuing education credits will be available. Register today.

Staff contact: Patrick Sonin

CMS Eliminates ‘Fast-Track’ Process for Certain Medicaid Section 1115 Waivers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday released a bulletin announcing the elimination of the “fast-track” review process for certain Medicaid section 1115 demonstration extensions. According to the notice, the July 2025 reconciliation bill required the CMS chief actuary to certify budget neutrality for section 1115 demonstrations. CMS said the existing fast-track extension method could make it difficult to evaluate section 1115 demonstration renewal applications consistent with the new budget neutrality requirements and, “As such, it is no longer feasible for CMS to provide a fast-track review process for section 1115 demonstration renewal applications.” In response, guidance implementing the fast-track option was formally rescinded. The bulletin did not include an effective date, but the budget neutrality requirements begin Jan. 1, 2027.

HHS, CMS Launch Hospital Food Pledge
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, a nationwide initiative inviting hospitals to serve healthier, more nutritious meals. The voluntary pledge encourages hospitals to reduce highly processed foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge includes commitments to limit: ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages; use baked, broiled, roasted, stir-fried, or grilled cooking methods instead of deep frying; limit processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and artificial additives; emphasize whole grains over refined grains; and prioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.

2026 National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey 
The Illinois Dept. of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery is encouraging participation in the 2026 National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N SUMHSS). This voluntary, annual survey is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

N-SUMHSS collects data from all known substance use and mental health treatment facilities and uses this information to provide a comprehensive snapshot of substance use and mental health treatment services nationwide. This information is crucial to capture a complete picture of substance use and mental health treatment services in your area and enhance understanding of national treatment resources.

By participating in the N-SUMHSS, your facility may be eligible to be listed on FindTreatment.gov, a nationally recognized resource visited by millions annually. This listing enhances visibility and ensures individuals seeking care can easily access information about your services. Additionally, your facility will be represented in analyses and reports that describe substance use and mental health treatment across the country.

For information on how to complete this survey, click here. The survey should be completed by a person knowledgeable about your facility’s daily operations. Click here for more information on this survey.

HFS Announces New Coverage for Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Services

The Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced this week the launch of the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife (LCPM) services for Illinois Medicaid customers. The new provider type will allow midwives to serve Medicaid customers by attending births that take place outside of hospitals via home and birth center settings.

When performed within the LCPM scope of practice and training, covered maternity services include conducting physical examinations; administering medications and using devices as permitted within the LCPM scope of practice and training; providing initial and ongoing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum and newborn care; ordering and interpreting allowable laboratory and diagnostic testing; consulting and making referrals to other healthcare professionals as needed; and educating and counseling throughout pregnancy and birth, as well as maternal and well-baby care in the postpartum period.