HCA Director

ALT Excerpt- OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that the United States Department of Health and Human Services approved his request to declare a Public Health Emergency in response to the devastating wildfires in Eastern Washington. Today’s public health emergency declaration increases access to health care and critical services for those impacted by wildfires. It will speed refills or replacements for medication and medical supplies, reduce paperwork and authorization requirements for providers, allow for alternative care settings and temporarily relax other requirements. The public health emergency covers the same areas as the federal emergency declaration Washington received on Aug. 4 — Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

ALT Excerpt- State agencies are also working in coordination with Tribal governments and Tribal health partners to identify and respond to urgent health care needs in tribal communities affected by the wildfires. Today’s declaration allows agencies to address service disruptions quickly and help health care providers serving individuals enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare in wildfire-impacted communities. Some of the specific changes it authorizes: People who have been displaced can receive home health services in alternative locations like temporary shelters, hotels and places other than their homes. Individuals who have lost respiratory or other medication or medical supplies can get replacements much faster. Hospitals can set up temporary or alternative care sites or locations to treat patients, including virtual options. Care and safety come first and paperwork comes second.