WMC at 3 - Washington Medical Commission daily COVID-19 Update

Washington Medical Commission sent this bulletin at 04/02/2020 03:00 PM PDT

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The WMC will be sending this daily email to keep you up-to-date with important information during the COVID-19 outbreak. As you are most likely aware, the Governor is making near daily executive orders and holding press conferences regarding the state of COVID-19 response in Washington.

WMC Current Status 

Most WMC staff is remotely working. We appreciate your patience at this time. We will work hard to continue to be a leader in protecting the public, licencing and accountability despite the ever changing environment. The quickest way to reach the WMC is via email. Addresses are available here: wmc.wa.gov/contact-us.

Agency and National News

  • The Dept. of Health (DOH) has temporarily extended health profession licenses. Read more here. 
  • DOH has temporarily suspended routine state compliance inspections. Read more here. 
  • DOH is hosting a CDC Immunization Updates Webinar on April 16, 2020 at 12:00pm (PDT). The webinar will cover the 2020 immunization schedule and updates to vaccine recommendations. Register here. 
  • FSMB has just published a new list of states that are temporarily waiving in-state licensure requirements for telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Emergency Healthcare Volunteer Status

The Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner Act (RCW 70.15) is in effect. If volunteers are registered in the volunteer health practitioner system, and verified to be in good standing in all states where they are licensed, they may practice here without obtaining a Washington license. They will then be activated and assigned and deactivated by DOH.

COVID numbers

  • There continue to be technical difficulties related to a high volume of data with the DOH outbreak status page. Their statement regarding the delay can be found here. 
  • As of March 31 they record 5,984 cases statewide. 
  • As of April 1, Thurston County Public Health offices have confirmed 51 cases in Thurston County where the WMC offices are located. 

Contact: Stephanie McManus
For info. or to unsubscribe: Media@wmc.wa.gov 
Office: (360) 236-2774