HHS Secretary declares public health emergency for wildfires in Washington

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Aug. 7 declared a public health emergency for Washington state to address the impacts of ongoing wildfires. This follows an emergency declaration approved by President Trump Aug. 4. Because of both a presidential declaration and a PHE, the loosening of certain regulatory requirements for Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program is permitted under the Section 1135 waiver process.

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response said it has sent regional staff to support Washington state officials and partners with the public health and medical response. The Washington State Hospital Association has also provided a series of resources to assist with response efforts.