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

The WMC sends this daily email to keep you up-to-date with important information during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Governor is making near daily executive orders and holding press conferences regarding the state of COVID-19 response in Washington.  The Governor released a statement today. For the latest check www.governor.wa.gov.

WMC Current Status 

The WMC staff is remotely working. We appreciate your patience at this time. We continue to be a leader in protecting the public, licensing and accountability. The quickest way to reach anyone at the WMC is via email. Addresses available here: wmc.wa.gov/contact-us.

Agency, Local and National News

• Study supports clinical testing of an antiviral that could prevent progression of COVID-19. Read more...
• The FDC warns about the type of scams that are being used during COVID-19. Read more...
• Bloodworks Northwest is partnering with a research study of people who have been recovered from COVID-19 for at least 28 days. Blood donation will provide medical researchers with critical information. Learn more...

Meetings

• The Washington Academy of Physician Assistants 2020 Spring Conference is going to be a Virtual Meeting via ZOOM  on 4/25-29/20. Contact www.wapa.com.
• The Podiatric Medical Board (board) filed for proposed rulemaking to change the requirement for podiatric physicians to check the prescription monitoring program when prescribing opioids. The board will consider adoption of these proposed rule amendments at 1:00 p.m. on 4/30/20. Click here to join the meeting.

Emergency Healthcare Volunteer Status

Since the Legislature passed RCW 70.15 (the Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner Act) in 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic is the first time it has been implemented.

• The DOH web page for the program has all you need to know about who can volunteer and how hospitals can request approved volunteers.
• To become a volunteer - apply here.

COVID numbers

The DOH has provided a web page where the number of confirmed cases by county with an interactive map.

• There are 11,152 cases confirmed statewide as of 4/14/20 at 12pm. For more information by county visit: www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.
• Thurston County has 86 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death where the WMC offices are located. 

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Contact: Stephanie McManus
Email: Stephanie.McManus@wmc.wa.gov 
Office: (360) 236-2774