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 Commission is offering a grace period to allow MDs to complete their CME requirements: If your attestation is due in 2022 and after Oct. 27, WMC will suspend the due date of the attestation until your birthday in 2026. If your attestation is due in 2023 (but before Oct. 27), WMC will suspend the due date until your birthday in 2027.

Osteopathic physicians will receive a similar reprieve. The Washington State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery will excuse DOs from attesting to CME requirements until they have completed their next full cycle (three years).

Beyond continuing education, physicians holding retired active MD licenses will have “will have restrictions that include not receiving compensation for health care services and only practicing in emergent or intermittent circumstances,” according to WMC.

Those with questions are urged to call WMC’s Licensing Unit at 360-236-2750 or email them at medical.commission@wmc.wa.gov.