The Washington State legislature created the Volunteer and Retired Providers (VRP) Program in 1992 (RCW 43.70.460 and RCW 43.70.470) to expand health care access for underserved patients in Washington. This program is administered by the Health Workforce and Primary Care team in partnership with the Washington Healthcare Access Alliance (WHAA).
The VRP Program encourages health care volunteerism by paying malpractice insurance premiums for health care volunteers providing non-invasive care to underserved patients. Volunteers who use their professional license only for volunteer work are also eligible for no-cost license renewal.
Non-Invasive Care
Examples of non-invasive medical care include:
- administering injections
- suturing minor lacerations
- incising boils and superficial abscesses
Obstetric care is not covered under non-invasive medical care.
Non-invasive dental care includes:
- diagnosis
- oral hygiene
- restoration
- extraction
Orthodontia and surgical treatments are not covered by Volunteer and Retired Providers Program malpractice insurance.
Provider Eligibility
Health care volunteers credentialed with an active or retired active license are eligible. Learn more about eligible provider types.
Volunteers from out of state are eligible to volunteer on a limited basis. Learn more and access the out-of-state attestation.
How to Apply as a Site
VRP sites include free clinics as well as other organizations that use health care volunteers to serve patients in permanent locations, through mobile units, and charitable events. All VRP sites must provide health care services to low-income patients and have a referral system to assure patient access to care beyond the services of volunteer providers. Interested sites can fill out a VRP Site Application.
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 WHAA for assistance.
Finding Volunteer Opportunities
Search for health care volunteer opportunities locally and across the state.
For more information contact Washington Healthcare Access Alliance, VRP Program via email or call 267-713-9422. See WHAA's VRP webpage.