Governor Ferguson announces federal public health emergency for communities impacted by wildfires

OLYMPIA - Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that the United States Department of Health and Human Services approved his request to declare a Public Health Emergency in response to the devastating wildfires in Eastern Washington.

Today's public health emergency declaration increases access to health care and critical services for those impacted by wildfires. It will speed refills or replacements for medication and medical supplies, reduce paperwork and authorization requirements for providers, allow for alternative care settings and temporarily relax other requirements.

The public health emergency covers the same areas as the federal emergency declaration Washington received on Aug. 4 - Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

"I spoke to Secretary Kennedy to urge him to approve this request," Governor Ferguson said. "I'm grateful for his quick action. This declaration allows us to eliminate red tape and helps impacted Washingtonians get the services they need faster."

The Washington State Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services and the Health Care Authority have been coordinating closely to help Washingtonians impacted by the wildfires and ensure they can still access essential health care since the wildfires began.

State agencies are also working in coordination with Tribal governments and Tribal health partners to identify and respond to urgent health care needs in tribal communities affected by the wildfires.

Today's declaration allows agencies to address service disruptions quickly and help health care providers serving individuals enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare in wildfire-impacted communities.

Some of the specific changes it authorizes:

• People who have been displaced can receive home health services in alternative locations like temporary shelters, hotels and places other than their homes.
• Individuals who have lost respiratory or other medication or medical supplies can get replacements much faster.
• Hospitals can set up temporary or alternative care sites or locations to treat patients, including virtual options.
• Care and safety come first and paperwork comes second. Providers and patients will have less paperwork because pre-authorization requirements for medicine or treatment can be paused.

The public health emergency declaration also helps older adults and people with disabilities maintain access to rehabilitation services, skilled nursing and assistance with medication, bathing, dressing and mobility as well as shopping, meal preparation and housekeeping.

In addition, the Department of Health can adjust requirements like facility inspections, credentialing and reporting timelines. This eases the administrative burden on health care providers in fire-affected areas, helping them maintain access while focusing on the people they serve.