Posts by Brian Hunsicker
WAFP, WSMA, WCAAP Release Statement on Preventive Measures to Combat Surge in RSV Cases
WAFP, along the with the Washington State Medical Association and the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, released a joint statement urging the public to take precautions as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spike throughout Washington. Hospital emergency departments are frequently at capacity, and the problem is even worse at pediatric hospitals. The statement…
Read MoreWashington Medical Commission Recruiting for Vacancies
The Washington Medical Commission, which establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensure, consistent standards of practice, and continuing competency, will have openings for several commissioners beginning July 1, 2023: WMC is also recruiting for two public members who are not physicians. Commission members are appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee. The commission usually meets eight times…
Read MoreDr. Katina Rue Named President of State Medical Association
Katina Rue, DO, FAAFP, was installed as the president of the Washington State Medical Association at its annual meeting in Spokane this weekend. Rue, director of the Trios family medicine residency program in Kennewick, currently serves as one of the WAFP’s alternate delegates to the AAFP Congress of Delegates. In taking the helm of the…
Read MoreInslee to Rescind COVID-Related Proclamations
Effective Oct. 27, Gov. Jay Inslee will rescind 12 proclamations related to COVID-19, affecting CME requirements and those holding a retired active MD license. Upon the rescission, CME requirements will resume. Allopathic physicians are required to attest to CME every four years, though one of Inslee’s proclamations put this requirement on hold. The Washington Medical…
Read MoreAAFP Federal Advocacy Updates: August 2022
The AAFP’s federal advocacy report for this month is now available. This month’s update focuses on AAFP’s work on potential cuts to Medicare physician payments, health care in the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, prior authorization legislation, the REDI Act, and COVID-19 relief funding. As AAFP distributes the advocacy updates, they will be posted on…
Read MoreAAFP Adds Resources on Monkeypox
The AAFP has launched a webpage with resources for family physicians on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of monkeypox. Additionally, there will be a live event on monkeypox at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9, with AAFP president Sterling Ransone, MD, FAAFP; AAFP senior VP for research, science, and health of the public Julie Wood,…
Read MoreDOH Updates Power of Providers (POP) Resources
The Washington State Department of Health has new resources on its Power of Providers (POP) webpage, which aims to connect patients to COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition to frequently updated links on research, there are numerous links for physicians and other members of the care team to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and in-depth clinical information on…
Read MoreWAFP at the 2022 National Conference
The AAFP’s signature event for medical students interested in family medicine, the 2022 National Conference, concluded this past weekend in Kansas City, MO. Students are able to meet and talk with representatives from family medicine residency programs across the country, including each of the programs in Washington. The WAFP Foundation supported numerous Washington medical students…
Read MoreDOH Urges Physicians to Increase Blood Lead Level Testing in Children
The Washington State Department of Health is urging family physicians and pediatricians to increase their testing on blood lead levels (BLL) in children. While DOH notes testing has increased over the past decade, Washington is still well behind the nation in testing rates (4.2 percent vs. a 17.6 percent national average). The emphasis comes in…
Read MoreUpcoming CME in Seattle to Focus on Substance Use
In mid-August, the Seattle Convention Center will host events focused caring for patients with substance use disorders. On Thursday, Aug. 11, the Washington Perinatal and Parenting with Substance Use Summit will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In-person attendance will cost $45, but virtual attendance is free. The summit is hosted by both state…
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