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Commission Connection

we are hiring [ [link removed] ]
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1) We are looking for a Clinical Health Care Investigator. June 13th is the deadline to apply, Learn More [ [link removed] ]. 

2) WMC offices will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

3) New wildfire smoke rules, effective January 15, 2024 are now in place to protect the health of workers who are exposed to the small particles contained in wildfire smoke. More Information [ [link removed] ]





QUICK FACT

The interested parties policy meeting is a time for anyone to join the WMC in updating existing and crafting new policies. The next meeting will be held on June 6, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am. The topics discussed and more information can be found here [ [link removed] ].

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PA Patch
New laws for Physician Assistants in 2024

During the legislative session, Washington passed two bills that impact how PAs are licensed and practicing in the state. House Bill 1917 [ [link removed] ] creates the Physician Assistant Compact, which allows licensed PAs to practice across state lines under a compact privilege. As of May 20, Colorado became the 10th participating state. Additionally, House Bill 2041 [ [link removed] ]establishes collaborative practice for experienced PAs and allows PAs to enter collaborative agreements with their employers. PA’s no longer need a practice agreement filed with the WMC. To learn more and ask questions, join the WMC/WAPA co-hosted presentation: Physician Assistant Compact and Practice Act: Changes for 2024 [ [link removed] ].


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opioid
Physicians & PA Opioid Prescribing Rules Workshop

The WMC is considering amending the opioid rules sections to modernize the language, add clarity, and bring the rules more in line with current practice. In response to the filing, the WMC will conduct an open public rules workshop on Tuesday, June 4,2024, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Registration and more information can be found here [ [link removed] ].


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Naloxone
Naloxone Standing Order

The Washington State Chief Science Officer signed an updated standing order [ [link removed] ] to dispense naloxone. Eligible persons and entities include persons at risk of experiencing an opioid‐related overdose or persons or entities in a position to aid persons experiencing an opioid‐related overdose. This includes anyone who may witness an opioid overdose and understands the instructions for use. This standing order shall be considered a naloxone prescription for an eligible person or entity.


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Nitris Oxide
Establishing the Use of Nitrous Oxide in Office-Based Surgical Settings

The WMC filed a CR-101, Preproposal Statement of Inquiry, to establish the use of nitrous oxide in office-based surgical settings. Additionally, the commission is considering adding a new subsection to further address the use of nitrous oxide in such settings. More information and public comment [ [link removed] ].


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news
Important update from DOH WHALES team for death registration system

DOH still has many providers that have not enrolled for WHALES Death Registration system yet. If you are involved in patient care and may have to complete a death report, you cannot access EDRS. You MUST have a WHALES Death Registration account. Enrollment is a multi-step process, which means the time to sign up is NOW before you have a death to report. This will result in a quicker death registration process for all involved. More Information [ [link removed] ]


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RXCann
Regarding tax exemptions for medical cannabis patients

This year, the legislature passed HB 1453, which grants a tax exemption for medical cannabis patients who are registered in the Department of Health (DOH) Medical Cannabis Registry. We anticipate an increase in prospective patients reaching out to healthcare providers (HCPs) who are permitted to authorize the medical use of cannabis. Due to this change, we would like to remind you of the laws you must follow when authorizing a medical cannabis patient. Learn More [ [link removed] ]





Upcoming Events

*Rules Workshop: Possible Amendments to the WMC's Opioid Prescribing Rules [ [link removed] ]*

June 4th
3:30 - 5:00 PM

 

*Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]*

June 6th 

10:00 - 11:00 AM

 

*Physician Assistant Compact and Practice Act: Changes for 2024 [ [link removed] ]*
June 7th

10:00 - 11:00 AM

 

*Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]*

June 13th

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hilton Garden Inn Olympia

2101 Henderson Park Lane SE

Olympia, WA 98501

 

*WMC Offices Closed*
June 19th

 

*Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]*

June 27th 

4:00 - 5:00 PM

 

CONTACT US

Washington Medical Commission. 

PO Box 47866 

Olympia, WA 98504-7866 

Phone: 360-236-2750 

WMC.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]

[email protected]

 

QUICK LINKS

File a complaint  [ [link removed] ]

FAQs [ [link removed] ]

Licenses Recently Granted [ [link removed] ]

News and Announcements  [ [link removed] ]

Pain Management Resources [ [link removed] ]

Request A Speaker [ [link removed] ]

Search for a MD or PA license [ [link removed] ]


ABOUT THE COMMISSION 

Your WA Medical Commission (WMC) currently regulates about 34,000 licenses, more than 3,000 of which are Physician Assistants. 

The WMC is composed of 21 governor-appointed members, including:


* 13 physicians, one from each congressional district and three at-large positions
* Six public members
* Two physician assistants.

The WMC also employs staff based in Tumwater and Spokane, WA. The professional staff includes attorneys and physicians. 

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS 

We provide speakers and subject matter experts on a variety of topics, including:


* Opioid prescribing
* Reduction of medical errors
* Patient rights
* Patient safety
* Effective communication
* General who we are and what we do

We are also happy to work with you to design an event or webinar. Email us <[email protected]> for more information.















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