WMC at 3 - Washington Medical Commission COVID-19 Update

Washington Medical Commission sent this bulletin at 07/29/2020 03:10 PM PDT

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The Governor's Office

  • Yesterday, the Gov. released an additional guidance document for Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan pause. The guidance notes the pause may be extended indefinitely. Read the guidance memo here.

The WMC

  • The WMC is still working to protect the public and license doctors and physician assistants. Despite being remote we are holding commission meetings, doing investigations and processing applications. While we do have some in-office staff, the fastest way to reach anyone at the WMC is via email. Contacts available at wmc.wa.gov/contact-us.

National News

  • Some healthcare systems are experiencing COVID-19 patient surges. New guidance from the CDC for transferring patients to Relief Healthcare Facilities is available.

  • This month the CDC called on Americans to wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread. Read more...

  • Today, the Surgeon General called on Americans to ensure children are up to date on their vaccinations. State levels of vaccinations have dropped due to COVID-19. More information and help from the DOH on this topic to come.

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State News

  • The WA Insurance Commissioner has extended his emergency order protecting consumers from surprise bills for lab fees related to testing for COVID-19 until Aug. 27. Read more...

  • Yesterday, the DOH released the latest statewide situation report, which outlines concerning trends in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. Read the DOH press release here.

  • The WA Dept. of Labor & Industries is again extending the deadline for employers who are finding it difficult to pay their workers’ compensation premiums during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more...

  • The DOH launched the Community Recovery-Oriented Needs Assessment (CORONA) survey to assess the impact to WA citizens and needs of communities as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Take part in the survey here.

COVID numbers

  • Washington's Risk Assessment Dashboard continues to offer updates on statewide counts (updated at midnight). There are 54,205 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state as of 7/27/20.

  • In Thurston County, where the WMC offices are located, there have been 570 cases of COVID-19 as of 7/27/20. 

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