I would like to welcome you to participate as a King County Medical Society delegate to the Washington State Medical Association annual meeting to be held this fall. Last year we were able to fill all 53 of our seats virtually to help set goals for the 2022 legislative session. We thank everyone that was able to support us in this work and hope that you may join us again this year.
Some of our recent legislative wins in Olympia include establishing telehealth payment parity, reforms to enact a more scientific and equitable process in death investigations, mandates and funding to remove lead from our schools’ drinking water, building electrification in all new construction to reduce hazardous climate and health effects from burning natural gas. We continue to work on efforts to expand health care access. Last year we were able to support expansion of AppleCare post-partum coverage. This year, many of our physicians have significant concerns around reproductive health care access.
We are planning to begin our delegate council discussions this May to allow for more engagement with legislators before the lead-up to the 2023 session. We are full speed ahead with our contracted lobbyist James Paribello and have ongoing relationships in Olympia and Seattle to discuss the feasibility and best approach to support any and all ideas that you may have.
Most delegate council meetings will be virtual for convenience with likely one outdoor hybrid to give us a chance to connect in person.
We hope to be your partner in supporting the practice of medicine and the health of the public in King County and WA state and look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming delegate council meetings.
Sincerely,
Raj
