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Commission Connection

Heat Inforgraphic [ [link removed] ]
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1. Use the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS) [ [link removed] ] to tell us about confirmed or suspected food poisoning, or other food safety concern about a restaurant or place that serves food in Washington State. 

2. More heat is on the way. Learn the symptoms and what to do [ [link removed] ] if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.

3. August is National Immunization Month. So whether you are going back to school or preparing for cold and flu season – now is a great time to speak with you healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations for you and your family.





QUICK FACT

Leadership elections were held at the July WMC business meeting.  Karen Domino, MD (Chair), Terry Murphy, MD (Vice Chair) and Ed Lopez, PA (Officer-at-Large) were reelected to their positions through July 2025.

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Scam Alert
Scams Targeting Healthcare Practitioners

A fraud ring is targeting healthcare practitioners, using the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) phone number, email, and web URL. Scammers pose as FBI, Drug
Enforcement Administration agents or Department of Health
officials, threatening providers with regulatory or legal trouble, potential discipline, or loss of license. These scammers use your personal information to exploit you for money or further fraudulent activities.

Protect yourself:


* Never click on suspicious links or download attachments
* Don’t be swayed by urgent demands; regulatory agencies provide ample time to respond
* Verify any suspicious contact by calling the WMC at (360) 236-2750
* Limit personal information shared online to prevent exploitation

Learn more about recent cases and what to do if you suspect fraud here [ [link removed] ].


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SEA Airquality
Ecology upgrades Washington air quality map in time for wildfire smoke season

With the 2024 wildfire season underway, the Washington Department of Ecology is launching an enhanced air quality monitoring map [ [link removed] ] to help Washingtonians track air pollution and take steps to protect their health and the health of their families. A new feature shows local air quality information for 16 communities where Ecology is working to expand air monitoring and improve air quality [ [link removed] ] under the Climate Commitment Act. The fine particles in smoke can get into your eyes and lungs, causing or exacerbating health issues.

There are, however, steps you can take to guard against the effects of smoky air and keep indoor air clean. Examples include not burning candles or using air fresheners, and not sweeping or vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter. For more information, visit the Department of Health's website [ [link removed] ].


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opioid
East Washington Pain Management Clinic Closes

The Lynx Healthcare clinics in
Spokane Valley and Kennewick
announced it will close its doors
because of insufficient funding. Lynx Healthcare are working with various agencies and organizations to help patients get care after their services shut down. About 2,000 pain management and opioid use disorder patients undergoing treatment may be displaced after the clinics close.  

The WMC is encouraging health practitioners to take on patients who were forced out after the clinic's closure and maintain their current treatment for 90 days. This is so treatments can be evaluated for their efficiency and function in relation to the patient. Abruptly stopping prescribed medication and pain management treatments can lead to extreme withdrawal symptoms and other health risks. For more information on pain management, can be found here [ [link removed] ].


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Upcoming Events

September 02
WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]

 

September 05
Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]

 

September 12
Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]

 

September 26
Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]

 

October 11
Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

 

CONTACT US

Washington Medical Commission. 

PO Box 47866 

Olympia, WA 98504-7866 

Phone: 360-236-2750 

WMC.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]

[email protected]

 

QUICK LINKS

File a complaint  [ [link removed] ]

FAQs [ [link removed] ]

Licenses Recently Granted [ [link removed] ]

News and Announcements  [ [link removed] ]

Pain Management Resources [ [link removed] ]

Request A Speaker [ [link removed] ]

Search for a MD or PA license [ [link removed] ]


ABOUT THE COMMISSION 

Your WA Medical Commission (WMC) currently regulates about 34,000 licenses, more than 3,000 of which are Physician Assistants. 

The WMC is composed of 21 governor-appointed members, including:


* 13 physicians, one from each congressional district and three at-large positions
* Six public members
* Two physician assistants.

The WMC also employs staff based in Tumwater and Spokane, WA. The professional staff includes attorneys and physicians. 

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS 

We provide speakers and subject matter experts on a variety of topics, including:


* Opioid prescribing
* Reduction of medical errors
* Patient rights
* Patient safety
* Effective communication
* General who we are and what we do

We are also happy to work with you to design an event or webinar. Email us <[email protected]> for more information.















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