IHA Daily Briefing: August 18

THIS WEEK: Mandatory Model for Joint Replacement Care Aug. 20 Webinar
The federal government's launch of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) Model in January 2028 will have several implications for hospitals, primarily additional financial accountability for defined episodes of care. A complimentary IHA webinar on Aug. 20, "Preparing for CJR-X: What Hospital Leaders Need to Know," will address the model's potential impacts on performance, operations and care delivery.

Experts with Forvis Mazars will lead the 10-11 a.m. CT session, covering the model's key features and goals, as well as aligning cost and quality performance across and episode of care. They'll also highlight key considerations and early steps for success. There is no fee to attend. The webinar will be recorded and made available to all registrants following the program. Click here to register.

Staff contacts: Cassie Yarbrough, Jennifer Koehler

Collaboration Opportunity: IHA-MAPS PSO Legal Webinar on Sept. 10
There is still time to register for a complimentary informational event hosted by IHA and Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Patient Safety Organization (PSO), "The Legal Value of PSO Membership and State Reporting Mandates." Click here to register for the Sept 10 legal webinar is open to all IHA members and Illinois healthcare providers. The program will feature Wesley R. Butler, JD, a nationally renowned PSO attorney, who will discuss Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 fundamentals, current case law, and Illinois mandatory state reporting.

The program is intended for risk professionals, patient safety managers and leadership, clinical staff involved in PSO/state reporting, and internal and external legal counsel. To access the full agenda, click here.

IHA is offering this event through its component patient safety organization, MAPS PSO, which has been providing support since 2015. By attending the event you can earn nursing continuing education credit or minimum continuing legal education credit. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Statewide Farmer Mental Health Program Rebrands as FARM SOS
Yesterday, the Farm Family Resource Initiative announced it will now be known as FARM SOS, a rebranding the organization says creates a simpler, more recognizable identity to immediately communicate its purpose: connecting farmers and their families with support when they need it most. FARM SOS is a completely confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all Illinois farm families at no cost. The helpline, 1-833-FARM-SOS (1-833-327-6767), offers those in the agriculture sector easy access to trained professionals who can provide emotional support and connect callers with tailored assistance. In addition to the helpline, FARM SOS provides telehealth counseling services, offering up to six no-cost sessions for individuals, couples, or groups. To learn more, visit ILFARMSOS.COM.

Illinois Respiratory Disease Surveillance Data

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

Vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners dropped again during the 2025-26 school year, new CDC data reveal. At the same time the number of children claiming exemptions climbed to a record 4.2%. Coverage for the MMR vaccine fell to 92.4%--below the 95% threshold needed to keep measles from spreading. Coverage for the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine dropped to 92%, will polio vaccination MMR was at 92.4%.