Interested in Volunteering, please check out links below to register, you can find more information by visiting Washington Department of Health website. doh.wa.gov
Rural Health
Healthcare Volunteerism
Volunteer and Retired Providers Program
The Washington State legislature created the Volunteer and Retired Providers (VRP) Program in 1992 (RCW 43.70.470) to expand healthcare access for underserved patients in Washington.
The VRP Program encourages healthcare volunteerism by paying malpractice insurance premiums for those providing non-invasive care to underserved patients. Volunteers who use their Washington State professional license only for volunteer work are also eligible for license renewal. The Washington State Department of Health funds this program.
Non-Invasive Care Defined
Non-invasive care includes the administration of injections, suturing of minor lacerations, and the incision of boils and superficial abscesses. Obstetric care and procedures coded as surgery are not covered under non-invasive medical care.
Non-invasive dental care includes diagnosis, oral hygiene, restoration and extraction. Orthodontia, and surgical treatments are not covered by our malpractice VRP malpractice insurance.
Provider Eligibility
All healthcare providers with a Washington State active or retired active license or providers licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction who wish to volunteer at an approved site (PDF) are eligible with no minimum volunteer time commitment
Anyone interested in volunteering must first contact an approved site or event to volunteer. Once approved by the site or event, fill out the appropriate application forms:
- Malpractice insurance coverage for volunteer services (PDF)
- License renewal for volunteer services (PDF)
How to Apply as a Site
Clinics interested in hosting VRP program volunteers must provide healthcare services for low-income patients regardless of ability to pay, and must be approved by filling out a site application (PDF).
How to Open a Free Clinic
The Department of Health partners with the Washington Healthcare Access Alliance (WHAA) to support the free clinics across the state. If your community is interested in developing a clinic to meet your area’s needs contact us or WHAA for assistance.
Other Volunteer opportunities
If you are a healthcare professional interested in volunteer opportunities please contact us or WHAA for assistance.
Contact Us
Please contact Washington Healthcare Access Alliance for more information.
Washington Healthcare Access Alliance, VRP Program
PO Box 14506
Seattle, WA 98114
Phone number: 267-713-9422
Fax number: 206-260-8859
Email: vrp@wahealthcareaccessalliance.org
Website: https://www.wahealthcareaccessalliance.org/volunteers