Legislative Summit

The 2021 legislative session is just around the corner and while things in Olympia will look a little different, the 2021 WSMA Legislative Summit will still feature updates from key state policymakers and your government affairs team. Plus, there’s no need to worry about finding a parking spot at the Capitol!

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislative session that begins on January 11 will be held largely remotely, with the Capitol closed to the public in deference to public health guidelines. As a result, the 2021 WSMA Legislative Summit will also be held virtually on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event is free for WSMA members, so now is a great time to join WSMA or renew yourmembership! There will be a $30 registration fee for nonmember, non-physician/non-physician assistant attendees.

This year’s session will be dominated by issues of import to the physician community, as legislators seek to respond to the pandemic, balance the state’s budget and continue to reform the state’s health care system. During the Summit you will receive an update on everything happening in Olympia, including WSMA’s legislative priorities:

WSMA 2021 Legislative Priorities (subject to change)

• Fiscal
  • Medicaid reimbursement increases
  • Foundational Public Health Services funding
  • Taxes
• Policy
  • Ensuring coverage and reimbursement for audio-only telemedicine services
  • Requiring carriers to reimburse for extraordinary PPE costs
  • Promoting health equity through health professional continuing education
  • Installing appropriate pandemic-related liability protections
  • Preventing inappropriate scope of practice increases

While WSMA’s government affairs team continues to advocate for the house of medicine in a new virtual setting, there’s still no substitute for physicians connecting directly with their local legislators. Given the structure of this year’s session and Legislative Summit, WSMA will not be prearranging meetings with your legislative delegation this year, though we will be providing resources on how to connect with your legislator’s office to schedule a meeting that works with your schedule, one-pagers on WSMA’s priority issues, and information on virtual advocacy.

We look forward to seeing you all at the 2021 Legislative Summit on February 9. 

Event outline

• Opening remarks and introductions
• WSMA legislative overview
• Keynote speakers
• Top WSMA Legislative Summit issues review
• How to meet with legislators virtually and advocacy 101