News You Can Use

July 19, 2024

This is a publication to keep you informed of issues and events pertaining to the osteopathic profession in Washington State. We invite you to submit topics or articles of interest to your colleagues for consideration. Submissions may be emailed to executivedirector@woma.org

2024 Annual Convention

A big thank you to WOMA's CME Committee for putting together an outstanding program! Being our first real convention since before COVID and dealing with the challenges that went along with that, tested us at every angle. Registration was the lowest we have ever seen it, but the feedback we have received has proved that the quality of WOMA's CME programs has not changed! Thank you so much to everyone who attended and continues to support WOMA. If you haven't already, please fill out the Needs Assessment Survey below for 2025 so the CME Committee can see which topics are most needed/wanted for next year's convention.

Collecting Health Care Professionals' Demographic Information

The Department of Health is implementing Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1503 which passed during the 2023 legislative session. ESHB 1503 requires the department to collect health care professionals' demographic information at the time of license application and renewal. The demographic information required in the bill includes race, ethnicity, gender, languages spoken, specialty, and primary place of practice*. Applications and renewals will begin gathering this information starting on January 1, 2025. This demographic data will provide the department with crucial insights into workforce representation in Washington State.

The department wants to hear from partners, professionals, and other interested parties about this legislation. In July and August 2024, the department will be hosting two listening sessions to get your feedback. The department has drafted questions andt proposed response options for the required demographic data in the attached document. 

The list of proposed questions can be accessed HERE.

*Note: these requirements do not apply to physicians and physician assistants licensed by the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) because WMC already collects this information.

Listening Sessions

The department is hosting two virtual sessions in July and August. Both sessions will have the same content. Pick the session that works best for you or attend both sessions. You can register for the webinars at the links below. They will open the meetings for you to join 15 minutes before the start time listed below:

July 25th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0uoQK_H1Rpmdchbg1zKCWA

August 15th 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nKuqCJ0LRnCa0FO55huUVg

What questions will DOH ask at the listening sessions?

-Do you feel represented in the response option in the draft questions?

     -If not, please let them know what response options they need to add or change

-Do you have questions or concerns about providing this information?

     -If yet, what are your questions or concerns?

-What other questions for you believe would be helpful through this process?

For questions, or to send your comments in writing, please email the department at ESHB1503@doh.wa.gov.

WOMA Annual Meeting Will Be Held Virtually on June 27th at 11:45am

If you did not receive the email about WOMA's annual meeting and are planning to attend, please RSVP HERE as soon as possible. Meeting materials and the link to join the zoom will be sent out next week. If you have any questions please email executivedirector@woma.org.

Contact Info:

Washington Osteopathic Medical Association

PO Box 1187, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

425-677-3930

executivedirector@woma.org