Membership Updates

COVID-19 Vaccines in Wyoming!!!

WMS members around the state began receiving COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, December 15th.

Evan Norby, DO

Andy Dunn, MD & Mark Dowell, MD

Alexia Harrist, MD, PhD

“Putting an end to this pandemic will take all our tools. Now we can add vaccines to wearing masks, social distancing and staying home when we are ill. For now and for some months to come, we need all of these strategies as we work to eliminate this virus and to help things get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Harrist noted COVID-19 vaccines, like other vaccines, are held to high standards to make sure they are safe.

“Things may have moved quickly with these vaccines due to unprecedented focus and investment, but safety has remained important. No steps were skipped."

Sodienye Tetenta, MD

Terry Thayne, RN - First WY recipient

View WDH Press Release

Governor Gordon Healthcare Proclamations

Governor Gordon issues healthcare proclamations honoring healthcare heroes in Wyoming.

December 16 has been recognized as “COVID-19 Pandemic Heroes Day” and December 18 has been recognized as “Military Health Care Heroes Day”. The proclamations recognize the dedication, sacrifices, and service of career and volunteer health care professionals, first responders and caregivers, as well as members of the Wyoming National Guard and 90th Missile Wing in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We dedicate these days to the heroes among us in every community across the state,” Governor Gordon said in a video message. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their continued hard work and sacrifice during this pandemic.”

Governor Mark Gordon's Healthcare Heroes Proclamation - Dec. 16, 2020

HHS Provider Relief Fund Update - Tax Implications

Healthcare providers across the country are beginning to receive large deposits for Phase 3 HHS funds - what does this mean for your 2020 taxes?

Will I be taxed on this money?

Yes, this is a taxable grant and will be counted as 2020 income. Please be sure to set aside approximately 40% to cover any additional taxes due with your 2020 return.

What can I spend this money on?

The HHS website says the following information regarding use of the funds:

Provider Relief Fund payments may be used to cover lost revenue attributable to COVID-19 or health-related expenses purchased to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, including but not limited to:

Supplies
Equipment
Workforce training
Reporting COVID-19 test results to federal, state, or local governments
Building or constructing temporary structures for COVID-19 patient care or non-COVID-19 patients in a separate area
Acquiring additional resources, including facilities, supplies, or staffing to expand or preserve care delivery
Developing and staffing emergency operation center

Will there be any reporting requirements?

Yes, there will be future HHS Reporting Requirements for every provider that received the funds. If you received over $10,000, you will be required to submit reports about your use of the funds. Reporting will open on 1/15/21. Please be sure to keep a copy of the invoice or receipt for any health-related expenses that are purchased with these funds.