IHA Webinar: Ransomware Recovery Strategies and Lessons Learned June 3
Between 2018 and 2024, cyber criminals have successfully executed 654 ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations in the U.S., resulting in 89 million compromised patient records and $21.9 billion lost to downtime, according to researchers at Comparitech.

A complimentary IHA webinar on June 3 will offer an insider’s view of one of those attacks. Leaders from Enloe Medical Center in northern California will detail their recovery efforts and multi-year journey to strengthen their defense.

Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer Tom Osteen will lead the session, from 10-11:30 a.m. CT, with Cybersecurity Manager Ryan Cox. They’ll share lessons learned; key improvement activities; and strategies for staff retention and leadership buy-in of cybersecurity.

In the face of the devastating attack, Enloe Medical Center redoubled its efforts to bolster its preparedness and organizational commitment to cybersecurity. Since the 2020 incident, the hospital has achieved 100% HIPAA Security Rule compliance and has been recognized as a “high performer” by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The webinar will benefit hospital leaders and teams responsible for cybersecurity and emergency preparedness. See our program webpage for more information. The webinar will not be recorded. Register today.

Staff contact: Keneatha Johnson

Public Hearing Notice: Health Benefits for Immigrant Programs
The Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will hold a public hearing on May 9 at 11 a.m. CT to receive comments on proposed rules (49 Illinois Register 3418) related to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) programs. The proposed rules include the sunsetting of the HBIA program, effective July 1, 2025. IHA has submitted comments on behalf of members; click here to view IHA’s comment letter.

Click here to access registration information for the hearing. To speak at the hearing email HFS.Rules@illinois.gov by 5 p.m. CT on May 8 with the subject line “Request to Provide Public Comment during HBIA/S Meeting” and include your name, title, organization name, email address and contact number. To provide written comments instead, email them to HFS.Rules@illinois.gov by 5 p.m. CT on May 8 with the subject line “Request to Provide Written Comment on HBIA/S Public Hearing.” For more information on this hearing, click here. 

National Nurses Week: May 6-12
National Nurses Week is a special opportunity to recognize and thank the nurses who care tirelessly and selflessly for patients across Illinois. Today, May 6, marks National Nurses Day, and IHA proudly salutes the dedication, compassion, and expertise of Illinois’ nursing workforce. Their extraordinary contributions improve the lives and health of individuals and communities throughout our state.

The 2025 theme, “The Power of Nurses,” celebrates the vital role of nurses worldwide and acknowledges the real-world challenges they confront each day.

To honor National Nurses Week, the American Nurses Association is illuminating the spirit of nursing excellence by lighting up more than 150 buildings and landmarks across the country. In Illinois, these include OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, the Murray Baker Bridge in Peoria, and Chicago’s Wrigley Building and Navy Pier Wheel. The #NursesLightUpTheSky campaign invites communities nationwide to show their support and appreciation for nurses. You can find related information and resources about the annual week of recognition by clicking here.

IDPH Health Advisory: Cyclospora Season Began May 1
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding providers and local health departments that Cyclospora season began May 1, noting cyclosporiasis infections increase during the months of May through August. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, and can infect those who consume food or water contaminated with the parasite. Cyclospora cayetanensis is an uncommon pathogen in the U.S., including in Illinois, whose outbreaks are commonly linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and lettuce. Click here for more information on symptoms, diagnosis and provider recommendations.