Most Washington state health offices to be closed Friday

Most offices of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services will be closed to the public on Friday as part of state efforts to reduce the cost of government.

Though Medicaid offices will be closed that day, pharmacies may provide emergency prescriptions to Medicaid clients provided that transactions are reported within 72 hours. Requests for prior authorization of medical supplies or therapies will be accepted on Monday.

DSHS has scheduled a temporary layoff day nearly each month through June as part of the department’s efforts to cut $8 million from its budget.