The WAFP Commission on Legislation and Governmental Affairs (CLGA) works to ensure that policies are implemented in Washington that support family physicians' ability to practice medicine and protect patients access to health care in Washington State.

CLGA carefully evaluates legislative and regulatory proposals with an eye to the proposal's impact on patient access to health care and the future viability of family physicians' practices.  The Commission, with guidance from House of Delegates resolutions make recommendations to the WAFP Board of Directors about appropriate positions, policies and actions for the Academy to adopt and to advocate for in its interactions with public policy stakeholders and coalitions.

Issues the WAFP Board & CLGA are currently working on include:

1. Improve access to high quality primary care focused health care at an affordable cost for all Washingtonians.
2. Support efforts to improve the pipeline of family physicians. 
1. Medical student recruitment/retention
2. Loan forgiveness for Family Medicine specialty selection
3. Continue to educate legislators and policy makers on the advantages of the Patient Centered Medical Home.
4. Support efforts to increase maintain current Medicaid reimbursement levels for primary care services.
5. Support legislation that improves the transparency of contracts between insurers and providers.
6. Request work sessions in both health care committees on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) issues to educate legislators about prescription formulary practices by pharmacy benefit managers and respective insurers.
7. Educate legislators about the need for a business and occupation tax exemption for providers who serve patients receiving government provided medical care (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, Basic Health Plan).
8. A)  Educate legislators about the need for tax incentives to encourage and expand investment by physicians in electronic medical records and related systems.
   B)  Provide health information technology grants in 2009 for physicians who agree to participate in all medical home pilot projects. 
9. Seek restrictions on dissemination of physician’s prescribing information to pharmaceutical companies.