Three Things You Need to Know:
1. Use the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS) 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 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.
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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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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.
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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 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 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.
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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.
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