Proclamation 21-14 COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement has been released by Governor Inslee’s office, requiring staff in healthcare settings to be vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 18, 2021, as a condition of continued employment.

As we review this document, it clearly outlines the requirements for vaccination of all workers in long-term care, with the definition of worker and healthcare settings being added.

For purposes of this order, “worker” includes:

• A person engaged to work as an employee, independent contractor, service provider, volunteer, or through any other formal or informal agreement to provide goods or services, whether compensated or uncompensated, but does not include a visitor or patron;

“Health Care Setting” is any public or private setting that is primarily used for the delivery of in-person health care services to people, except as specifically exempted below. If located at a facility that is primarily used for the delivery of health-care services, such as a hospital, then the entire facility is a Health Care Setting. If located at a facility that is primarily used for another purpose, such as a pharmacy within a grocery store, school nurse’s office, or vaccination clinic within a business establishment, the Health Care Setting includes only the areas that are primarily used for the delivery of health care and the areas regularly occupied by Health Care Providers and people seeking care, but not the other areas of the facility.

“Health Care Setting” includes, but is not limited to:

• Acute care facilities, including, but not limited to, hospitals;
• Long-term acute care facilities;
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities;
• Inpatient behavioral health facilities, including, but not limited to, evaluation and treatment facilities, residential treatment facilities, secure detox facilities;
• Residential long-term care facilities, including, but not limited to, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, settings where certified community residential services and supports are provided, and enhanced services facilities;

We realize this is a controversial subject and have heard from several of you about this requirement.  We are seeking information from Amber Leaders, Governor’s Senior Health Care Policy Adviser, on the application process for medical and religious exemptions, and will let you know as soon as we learn more.  We are also asking for clarification on a number of other issues, such as, does the mandate apply to compassionate care visitors since many enter the facility for the purpose of assisting with care and services to residents are not ‘visitors’ but function more as a caregiver, recognized by the state although not credentialed. 

We will be holding a webinar for all members on August 20^th at 10:00 am with Lane Powell regarding COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policies for Employees. 

Zoom directions: (add to your calendar)

Topic: COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policies for Employees and Reasonable Accommodation by Lane Powell

Time: Aug 20, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86579197653?pwd=MmRQSDFXdUFUYkdNZ3U4TzlYNUhkZz09

Meeting ID: 865 7919 7653

Passcode: 501309

Questions?

Contact: 

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804