COVID-19 UPDATE #183
August 31, 2021
LEGISLATIVE WORK GROUP SEEKS INPUT ON PANDEMIC MANAGEMENT REGULATORY MISMATCH
The Washington Legislature passed ESHB 1218, legislation that requires a review of Washington State’s approach to pandemic management. The legislative and executive work group is charged with submitting a report to the Legislature this fall.

WHCA continues to press on the fact that there are regulatory and policy barriers and conflicts that impact care delivery. It is critical that we help legislators and policymakers understand these challenges, and the impact on your work. To that end, work group facilitators have created a survey to collect information about this regulatory mismatch. Please make it a priority to complete the work group survey TODAY; your information will be shared during a Wednesday, September 1, meeting on this subject.
WHCA RECORDED WEBINAR ON VACCINE MANDATE FROM AUGUST 30 AVAILABLE
On August 30, WHCA hosted a webinar on the Washington State vaccine mandate. Presenter Sarah Swale of Jensen Morse Baker PLLC shared insight on the mandate, how to be in compliance with it, and information on the medical and religious accommodation options made available in the mandate. If you were not able to join us for the webinar, you can watch the recording here. Please note: CEUs are not available for those who watch the recorded webinar.
DOH SHARES LETTER REGARDING BOOSTER PREPARATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Kathy Bay with the Office of Immunizations at the Department of Health (DOH), is sharing a letter on COVID-19 booster dose planning for long term care facilities. Please review the recommendations on booster dose planning and access. DOH will be providing more information on planning and coordination soon. We will share any information we receive.

The letter also includes announcement of the LTC COVID-19 Immunization Champion Award to recognize and celebrate reduction of the spread of COVID-19 based on staff vaccination rates from June 1 through August 31. Registration for the first award closes September 3, 2021.
THURSTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROVIDES UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR QUARANTINE, TESTING REQUIREMENTS, AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department has provided updated guidance to long term care facilities in Thurston County. As well, they are publishing an updated phone number for facilities to use when reaching out to them for information and support. The updated guidance addresses quarantine requirements as well as COVID-19 activity throughout the county.
WA-PALTC PROVIDES ACCESS TO WEBINARS HOSTED THROUGHOUT PANDEMIC
During the COVID pandemic, WA-PALTC has hosted 18 webinars on managing the virus within long term care. A subject covered multiple times -- Using Monoclonal Antibodies in Long-Term Care -- has gained wide interest. Monoclonal antibodies are effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths of high risk COVID patients. They are also now indicated for post-exposure prevention in long term care facilities. Monoclonal antibodies have been purchased by HHS and are free of charge. Very encouraging results are being seen from this treatment and WA-PALTC is updating this information with the latest resources. WA-PALTC has provided this link to the webinars they have hosted. 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.