​​​​Last week, Amazon announced it is expanding the on-demand, virtual care platform, Amazon Care, in Washington now and nationally later this year. Earlier this month, Amazon Care teamed up with a variety of health care organizations — Signify Health, Ascension, Home Instead Senior Care and others — to form “Moving Health Home,” a new advocacy group with the goal of changing federal and state policies to expand at-home care. What does this mean for the home care industry?

The Washington State Department of Health released information for providers to learn which priority tier they are in and how to find a place to get vaccinated. To access the system, visit this site: findyourphasewa.com. If you are confirmed to be eligible, the confirmation page will have a link to a website that includes a list of providers that are vaccinating people outside their system/facility with contact information to schedule an appointment. The Department is continuing to work with providers to add them to this list.

​Rep. Eileen Cody is proposing a bill for the 2021 legislative session to allow for more flexibility in hospitals, but it will also impact most nurse delegation settings. The HCAOA Washington Chapter lobbyist is proposing an amendment that clarifies the distinction between home care and home health agencies. The proposed language is to be placed in Section 1 (3)(d)(iv).