News
Inslee 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 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…
Read MoreAAFP Now Accepting Nominations for Commission Openings
Members are now able to apply for openings on one of AAFP’s eight commissions, with terms beginning in 2023. Applications are also being accepted for positions on the ABFM Board of Directors and within the AAFP’s delegation to the American Medical Association. Earlier this year, the AAFP announced changes to commission structures and member appointments…
Read More988 Dialing Code Launches July 16
Beginning on Saturday, July 16, patients in mental health-related distress will be able to dial 988 to access care and support for suicidal ideation, mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. The line will also assist those concerned about a loved one who is in distress. The code, made…
Read MoreWSMA-DOH COVID-19 Vaccines Webinar Series
The WSMA has joined the Washington State Department of Health to host a new webinar series to help physician practices and clinics access the tools and information they need to incorporate the COVID-19 vaccines into their practice workflows and employ effective strategies to engage patients in conversations about the vaccine. The first session, focused on…
Read MoreWAFP Statement on Supreme Court Decision Affecting Abortion Care
BELLEVUE, Wash.—The Washington Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) issued the following statement following the US Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: The Washington Academy of Family Physicians is dismayed by the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ruling overturns longstanding protections afforded by Roe v. Wade…
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