Abortion Information and Frequently Asked Questions:

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to release an opinion in June 2022 that could impact the current Roe v. Wade ruling. The professional health care regulators of the State of Washington recognize that if Roe v. Wade is impacted it could raise practice concerns for our licensees.

The Washington State Medical Commission, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, and Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission wrote a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to clarify how Washington regulators will continue to address?practice matters regardless of the U.S. Supreme Court?s ruling.

The FAQ include:

• What is the history of abortion laws in Washington state?
• Will abortions remain legal in Washington state?
• How do state regulators determine discipline and licensure if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
• Who may perform an abortion in Washington state?
• May a pharmacist dispense hormonal, non-hormonal, or emergency contraceptives in Washington State?

The following professional health care regulators recognize that the while a U.S. Supreme Court ruling could impact the rights of pregnant individuals nationally, the laws in Washington state would likely not be changed by such a ruling. For information on how each commission is addressing this issue, please click on the following links:

Washington Medical Commission

Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission

Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission

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CDC/AAMC Resource Guide on Monkeypox

You have heard from your public health departments about the monkeypox virus outbreak in the United States. To help inform practicing physicians, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) have compiled the latest information and resources to plan and prepare for monkeypox. The CDC has been working closely with international and state health partners to respond to global outbreaks of monkeypox. As of June 10, 2022, more than 1,400 cases of confirmed and suspected monkeypox had been reported in 33 countries. In the United States, as of June 10, 2022, health officials have confirmed 49 cases in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Read the full statement here.?