Message from the Chair -
The ?Brave New World? of AI in Health Care?
Karen Domino, MD, MPH
In mid-January, I was privileged to attend the Federation of Medical Boards Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Care and Medical Regulation held in Washington, DC. AI has been so prominent in the news since last year with the release of Chat GPT. AI use in health care is increasing at an exponential rate. The WMC wants to understand how AI in medicine is evolving and how recommendations by the AI device or algorithm may result in misdiagnosis or an adverse outcome. READ MORE
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Executive Director Report
This last quarter has been a whirlwind for the Commission. There are three topics I will address: 1) briefly, the previous legislative session that just concluded with the Governor?s signature on March 29 for both the revisions to the biennial budget as well as the creation of a new profession that will be licensed and regulated by the Commission; 2) recent media coverage involving the Commission; and 3) another round of fraud targeted at physicians and physician assistants. Continue Reading
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Physician Assistant News - ?Primum Non Nocere?
It?s Friday afternoon in the office, its? 4:15 PM, you?re running behind on your schedule, you have already reached your minimum required patient volume threshold for the week and yet you still have a patient to see in room 3 when you walk in to find a 67 year old Mr. Magillacutty sitting up in a chair red faced and showing signs of shallow breathing with a nasal cannula oxygen in place. You go to the computer to sign on to open his chart, then briefly introduce yourself and ask the patient ?what?s wrong with you today sir?? Continue Reading
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QUICK FACT
The WMC website has a virtual assistant ?Doc? - to help you find what you need!
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2024 Legislative Session Wrap Up
With the conclusion of the 2024 Legislative Session on March 7, the WMC begins the simultaneous work of policy landscape evaluation, implementation of new statutory requirements, and consideration of policy proposals for the 2025 session. A part-time legislature does not equal part time policy work for WMC staff. Despite not initiating any legislation, the WMC saw a significant impact to its regulatory work in 2024.Bills of note for our physician and physician assistant licensees are as follows.
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The Inappropriateness of Providing Marijuana to a Minor and the Unprofessional Act of Accessing Electronic Health Information of a Non-patient
Providing CBD/THC edible gummies to a minor family member and inappropriately accessing their electronic health record, crossed several ethical boundaries, placed a minor family member in harm?s way, and risked potential negative physical, psychologic, and social effects for them. Continue Reading
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Transformative Role of AI in Medicine
In today?s media landscape, whether you?re scrolling through news updates or delving into print articles, the pervasive narrative surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) invariably emerges, depicting its profound impact on various aspects of our world. From discussions of how AI is ?changing? and ?revolutionizing? to ?transforming? diverse functions, industries, careers, and professions, nowhere is this narrative more prominent than in the medical industry. Continue Reading
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WPHP Report - Q&A
Since 1986 the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) has served as
the legally authorized professional support program in Washington for licensed physicians and physician assistants. We are a small, independent, physician led, non-profit organization that is contracted with the Department of Health to provide assessment, treatment referral, post-treatment health support and advocacy for professionals with health conditions that may impair their ability to safely practice. This is largely possible through laws in Washington that allow WPHP to work with professionals confidentially and without notification or involvement of the Medical Commission (WMC). We endeavor to assist our colleagues, who are often suffering silently, obtain help before a career and/or life altering event occurs. A referral to WPHP is a courageous act of compassion for a colleague whose life and career may be at risk. Continue Reading
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