On Jan. 1, 2015 the Washington State Department of Health launched a planning effort to create a state-level structure for clinical engagement on issues related to Crisis Standards of Care during an emergency of state-level importance. The need for regional medical surge planning that incorporates the ability to implement regional crisis standards of care is recognized by many local, state and federal agencies.
To ensure that we have the appropriate level of expert clinical input into our health emergency planning and response operations, the DOH has contracted with the Northwest Healthcare Response Network (NWHRN) to establish and administer a Washington State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (WA State DMAC).
The WA State DMAC will be created and supported by the DOH in partnership with local health jurisdictions. It will serve as the primary clinical advisory body to the State Secretary of Health, the State Health Officer and the Washington State Healthcare Executive Response Group during response operations.
If you are interested in applying to become a member of this committee, please contact Onora Lien, the NWHRN Executive Director, at 425-988-2898 or Onora.Lien@nwhrn.org, or Dr. Vicki Sakata, the NWHRN Senior Medical Advisor, at 425-988-2898 or Vicki.sakata@nwhrn.org. (Mary Kay Clunies-Ross)