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Commission Connection

phone scam
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1) The WMC Practitioner Support Program is an innovative approach toward protecting patient safety. We will be hosting a webinar to discuss the program on November 22nd. More Information [ [link removed] ]

2) Daylight saving ends on Nov. 3, when clocks get turned back one hour.

3) WSDOT warns of toll scam -scammers are using fake websites and text messages about unpaid tolls [ [link removed] ] to phish personal information from Washingtonians.





QUICK FACT

The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) has been recognized as a "WellBeing First" Champion for the second time. As a 2024 champion, WMC was honored among 29 other U.S. states for having licensing applications that do not include intrusive mental health questions. More Information [ [link removed] ]

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Resources Following a Practitioner Restriction

The recent restriction of Dr. Sjardo Steneker may limit or curtail patients’ access to care. As a result, the WMC anticipates a potential increase in patients seeking medications, including those used to treat chronic pain, and new healthcare providers.
Continue Reading [ [link removed] ]


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*For Chronic Pain Patients*

There are no absolute limits on Morphine Equivalent Dose (MED) for pain management. Your prescriber, whether an MD or physician assistant, has the flexibility to prescribe above the "suggested" MED guidelines if they believe it is necessary for your treatment. If they do prescribe above these guidelines, they must document the reasons in your medical record to ensure the decision is well-supported and meets your specific needs.

If an MD or PA prescribes a daily dosage of 120 mg MED or more, they are required to consult with a pain management specialist unless exempted by certain provisions. This consultation may involve an office visit, a remote or in-person discussion between the specialist and the MD or PA, an audio-visual evaluation with the patient present, or other approved chronic pain evaluation services. Each consultation must be documented in the patient's medical record by the MD or PA.

Additionally, there are no tapering requirements in rule for MDs or PAs, allowing your provider to make individualized treatment decisions based on your specific circumstances.


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*Anesthesiologist
Assistants*

The WMC filed Preproposal Statement of Inquiry, to establish licensing regulations for anesthesiologist assistants in response to Senate Bill (SB) 5184 (Chapter 362, Laws of 2024) codified in chapter 18.71D RCW [ [link removed] ]. In response to the filing, the WMC will hold a rules workshop on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 2:30 pm. The materials for the upcoming workshop are now available [ [link removed] ]. To attend this virtual workshop, please register [ [link removed] ]. Commissioners and staff will attend this meeting virtually, but there is an in-person option available.


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*From The FAQ Page*

*Q: How can I view my provider’s complaint record?*

A: There are two ways to get the complaint record of your provider.  The first option is requesting thru the public disclosure by going to this website [ [link removed](S(htvn0zrcvmmb4albl1awrbl4))/SupportHome.aspx ] . You can also a request a record via mail by submitting a written request to Department of Health, Public Disclosure Unit, PO Box 47865, Olympia, Washington 98504-7865. The second option is searching the portal [ [link removed] ] for disciplinary documents. Read More on the FAQ Page [ [link removed] ]

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Upcoming Events

*November 4*
Anesthesiologists Assistants Rule Making Workshop [ [link removed] ]

 

*November 11*
WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]

 

*November 13*
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Rural Communities: Part Two [ [link removed] ]

 

*November 22*
Understanding the Practitioner Support Program [ [link removed] ]

 

*November 28 to 29*
WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]

 

*December 05*
Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]

 

*December 25*
WMC Offices Closed [ [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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