Quality Advisor

WHA's 2026 Advocacy Day - February 25!

Join us for WHA’s annual Advocacy Day on Wednesday, Feb. 25—a powerful opportunity for hospital employees, trustees and volunteers to make a visible impression in the state capitol. This event offers a chance to connect, learn and influence critical health care issues.

Fourth Annual Health Care Quality Showcase in Conjunction with WHA's Advocacy Day

The Health Care Quality Showcase is a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand the innovative efforts Wisconsin hospitals are making to enhance patient safety and improve care.

We invite you to attend the Health Care Quality Showcase the afternoon of Advocacy Day, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda to share your projects and learn about the quality improvement initiatives at other WHA member hospitals. This event highlights the dedicated work of hospital staff to improve patient safety and the quality of care across the state. It’s a great chance to engage with elected officials, Advocacy Day attendees, and the public to raise awareness of the important strides Wisconsin hospitals are making in ensuring safer, higher-quality care for all patients.

If you are interested and would like to participate at the WHA Health Care Quality Showcase, please complete and submit this form. See list of hospitals already registered to participate.

If you have questions, please contact Nadine Allen or Marcia Egle.

Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings: April 2026 Refresh

In case you missed it: Slides are now available for the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings: April 2026 Refresh webinar, held on January 28, 2026. See Quality Reporting Center website for additional information including the event recording link.

Hospitals can expect their Hospital-Specific Reports to become available February 19 with a public go-live date of May 13.

From AHA Today

Multiple Health Care-associated Infections Decreased in 2024 According to CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its annual progress report on health care-associated infections Jan. 29, which found continued decreases in hospitalizations from multiple infections in 2025. Among the findings, there was an 11% decrease in hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile, or C. difficile, infection; a 10% decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections, or CAUTI; a 9% decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections, or CLABSI; and a 7% decrease in hospital-onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

Among inpatient rehabilitation facilities, there was an 18% decrease in hospital-onset C. difficile infections and an 8% decrease in CAUTI. For long-term care hospitals, there was a 23% decrease in ventilator-associated events and a 15% decrease in hospital-onset C. difficile. The report recommended providers continue reinforcing prevention practices, review HAI surveillance data to identify areas for improvement and address any gaps in prevention practices.

The Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition Announces Healthcare Screening Tool

The Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition is pleased to announce the publication of a Healthcare Screening Tool List, developed in direct response to feedback from their needs assessment.

Health care professionals surveyed reported wanting practical screening tools to help recognize abuse and neglect among older adults.

This new resource brings seven evidence-based screening tools together in one convenient location.

To support different practice preferences, there is also fillable versions of the tools for those who prefer a digital format. All of these resources are available on the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition Website.

Superior Health Quality Alliance    

More than 40 Wisconsin Hospitals Enrolled in 13 SOW - Recruitment Continues for CMS QIO Program

More than 40 Wisconsin hospitals have already enrolled with Superior Health for CMS's 13 Scope of Work. As the CMS Quality Innovation Network – Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for the Great Lakes Region, Superior Health provides no-cost technical assistance to eligible providers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. This includes support for chronic disease management, behavioral health integration, patient safety, care coordination and health care quality — all aligned with CMS national goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Learn more about Superior Health’s services and how they can support your organization by attending a webinar Feb. 12 hosted by the Wisconsin Hospital Association. See Educational Events & Resources section below for more details.

For questions, please contact info@superiorhealthqa.org or complete the enrollment form to begin the process.

Watch this video highlighting Superior Health Quality Alliance.