Inslee backs off vaccine order in emergencies

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee has backed off his vaccination requirement for hospitals and other medical facilities when there is a need to address potentially life-threatening situations.

Under an update to Proclamation 21-14 last week, Inslee opened the door for acute care, long-term care, corrections, rehabilitation and behavioral health in-patient facilities to hire unvaccinated “contractors” in emergency situations.

Those situations must be “unanticipated, discrete, temporary and likely to result I death or bodily harm if the contractors’ prompt actions are not taken,” a statement from the Governor’s Office said.

The facility’s managers must first make an effort to engage vaccinated contractors, the statement said.