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Commission Connection

Discrimination Snip [ [link removed] ]
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1. If you are interested in becoming a WMC Commissioner – the deadline to apply is March 31st [ [link removed] ].

2. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination:
What Everyone Should Know [ [link removed] ].

3. Healthcare Discrimination: Awareness and Action – View the [ [link removed] ] Video [ [link removed] ]





QUICK FACT

Information about individual providers can be found on the provider credential search [ [link removed] ] and the News and Announcements page [ [link removed] ].

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*Clinical Experience Assessment Form & Policy*

The WMC has implemented the Clinical Experience Assessment (CEA) Policy, effective January 10, 2025, as outlined in policy number
POL2025-01. This policy introduces the CEA form, designed to evaluate the readiness of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for residency programs in Washington State, in accordance with RCW 18.71.472 [ [link removed] ]. Learn More [ [link removed] ]


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Rulemaking Notice General Provisions for Opioid
Prescribing and Tapering Rules

The WMC has adopted amendments to their opioid prescribing rules to exclude patients with sickle cell disease, to clarify tapering considerations, and to clarify the use of biological specimen testing. The rules amend WAC 246-918-801 [ [link removed] ] Exclusions, WAC 246-918-870 [ [link removed] ] Periodic Review—Chronic pain, and WAC 246-918-900 [ [link removed] ] Tapering considerations—Chronic pain for physician assistants, as well as WAC 246-919-851 [ [link removed] ] Exclusions, WAC 246-919-920 [ [link removed] ] Periodic Review—Chronic pain, and WAC 246-919-950 [ [link removed] ] Tapering considerations—Chronic pain for allopathic physicians.

The rules add sickle cell disease to the list of exemptions from opioid prescribing limits. To prevent harm from abrupt opioid discontinuation, the rules clarify that not all chronic pain patients need tapering. The rules also state that a single abnormal biological test result should not be the sole basis for discontinuing opioid treatment.

The CR-103 for Permanent Rulemaking was filed on February 18, 2025, as WSR #25-05-091 [ [link removed] ]. The WSR document contains the adopted rule language, which will take effect on March 21, 2025.


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*Telemedicine & Controlled Substance Prescribing*

The following rules will become effective on *March 21, 2025*:

The *DEA* *final rule* [ [link removed] ] regarding prescription of buprenorphine via telemedicine which allows DEA-registered health care practitioners to prescribe Schedule III-IV controlled substances for up to six months via telemedicine, including audio-only, to a patient after a PDMP query of the patient’s resident state and verification the patient’s identity prior to dispensing. The final rule significantly streamlines telemedicine prescribing, as the *proposed rule* [ [link removed] ] limited initial prescriptions via audio-only to 30 days’ supply and required an in-person encounter for subsequent prescriptions.

The *Dept. of Veterans Affairs* *final rule* [ [link removed] ] allowing VA practitioners, acting within their scope of practice, to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth to a VA patient without an in-person exam, so as long as another VA practitioner has previously conducted an in-person evaluation of the patient previously. The prescribing practitioner must also review both the patient’s VA electronic health record (EHR), which includes the internal VA prescription database, and the PDMP for the state in which the VA patient is physically located. If either of these are unavailable or inaccessible, the practitioner must limit the prescription to a 7-day supply, and must consult both before continuing to prescribe controlled substances to the patient via telemedicine.


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*From The FAQ Page*

Q: Can the WMC request medical records on your behalf?

A: We cannot request medical records on your behalf. You must contact your healthcare provider to request medical records. More information on medical records can be found here [ [link removed] ].

Read More on the FAQ Page [ [link removed] ]

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Upcoming Events

March 13 - Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]

 

March 14 - WMC Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

 

March 27 - Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]

 

April 24 - Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]

 

May 07 - 2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up [ [link removed] ]

 

May 08 - Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]

 

May 09 - WMC Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

 

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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