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Commission Connection

Mosquito infographic [ [link removed] ]
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1) WMC offices will be closed on July 4th.  

2) Mosquitoes bite day and night. They spread germs through bites that can make you sick. Prevent illness by protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Learn More [ [link removed] ]

3) IV Vitamin Therapy is growing across Washington. Be sure to understand the risks [ [link removed] ] and check with your doctor to see if vitamin IV therapy is the right treatment for you. 





QUICK FACT

We actively maintain a Frequently Asked Questions page on our website. Information about how to file a complaint to opioid prescribing laws and much more can be found here [ [link removed] ]. 

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MEeting
The WMC is Asking for New Topic Ideas!

The WMC is asking for your thoughts on what issues matter most to you in 2025. We would love to hear your ideas for:


* Educational webinars: What topics would you like covered in a webinar format?
* Informal coffee chats: What would you like to discuss with the commission in a more casual setting?
* WMC priorities: Are there specific policies, trends, or topics you'd like the WMC to focus on?

Let the WMC know <[email protected]> how we can best serve you in the coming year.


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newsletter [ [link removed] ]
Information for Providers Regarding Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting

On February 20, 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5453 creating a new path for victims of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) to bring a civil cause of action against the person who committed FGM/C. Providers who practice genital mutilation in violation of SB 5453 may be subject to disciplinary action by the WMC. The legislation further intends to establish education and outreach initiatives to prevent female genital mutilation and provide care for victims. Continue reading this article [ [link removed] ] or any of our other quarterly newsletter articles [ [link removed] ].


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opioid
AMDG Implements Updated Opioid Dose Calculator to Align with Best Practices and Evidence-Based Guidelines

On February 1, 2024, the AMDG (Agency Medical Directors' Group) updated the Opioid Dose Calculator to reflect evolving best practices and evidence-based guidelines for opioid prescribing. The following changes were made:


* Updated hydromorphone conversion factor to 5
* Updated tramadol conversion factor to 0.2
* Added buprenorphine transdermal product with a conversion factor of 2.2

The WMC has received concerns about these changes, which increased the MED conversion rates for Tramadol, Hydromorphone, and Methadone. The primary worry is that stable patients might be unnecessarily tapered off their medications because prescribers may not be aware of the change in conversion calculations. This lack of awareness could lead to misunderstandings about the actual dosage patients are receiving, potentially resulting in inappropriate dose reductions and destabilization of patients who have been effectively managing their pain with their current medication regimen. More Information [ [link removed] ]


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New program helps overdose patients take next steps

A new state program [ [link removed] ] will make it easier for physicians to prescribe substance use disorder-treating medications like methadone and buprenorphine to help people recover from an overdose and begin to work towards a durable recovery from addiction. Over 3,400 Washingtonians died [ [link removed] ] from overdoses in 2023. Broader use of SUD medications might cut that figure dramatically; currently, only one in 12 overdose patients is prescribed these medications.


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Upcoming Events

July - 2024

* 04 - WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]
* 11 - Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]
* 19 - Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

September - 2024

* 02 - WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]
* 05 - Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]
* 12 - Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]
* 26 - Policy Committee [ [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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