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Commission Connection

we are hiring
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1) We are hiring a Policy Manager – Last day to apply is December 8th. Learn More [ [link removed] ]

2) Rulemaking for Pain Management Specialists and Physician Assistant Collaborative Practice will be effective December 15th – Learn More [ [link removed] ].

3) Licensing Fees for Anesthesiologist Assistants CR-101 Filed - In response to these filings, the WMC and DOH will conduct a rules workshop to be held virtually on Friday, December 6, 2024, starting at 1:30 PM. Learn More [ [link removed] ].





QUICK FACT

All licensing and credentialing systems will be unavailable from 5 p.m. on Friday, February 14 until the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Please complete your applications and renewals in January to avoid delays.

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MEeting
*Policy: Interested Parties Meeting*

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the WMC will hold a Policy: Interested Parties meeting beginning at 10 am. The meeting will be held virtually via Teams. Register to attend this meeting here: WMC Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]. The purpose of this meeting is to allow anyone to comment on and suggest changes to the WMC’s policies, guidance documents, procedures, and interpretive statements. The agenda, as well as the draft documents to be discussed, can be found in the meeting packet on our Policy Meetings page [ [link removed] ].


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Stressed Physician
*Understanding the  Practitioner Support Program *

The WMC has implemented a Practitioner Support Program (PSP) to aid licensees in improving their practice without the need for discipline. The PSP provides support and educational resources for common complaints including communication, systems-based issues and medical record keeping. Join us for a Coffee with the Commission where we will explain how the PSP works, what the licensee can expect if they receive a PSP letter and the value of engaging with the WMC through the PSP. View the Recording [ [link removed] ]


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scales
*From The FAQ Page*

*Q: How long does it take to resolve my complaint?*

A: The time will vary depending on the nature of the complaint, the complexity of the case and the cooperation of all parties involved. Patience is needed when dealing with the many legal and health care investigations. Cases may take as little as a few weeks or, in some cases, as long as two years. Read More on the FAQ Page [ [link removed] ]


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*Resources and Guidance for Practitioners and Pain Patients 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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opioid
*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.





Upcoming Events

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

 

*December 06 *
Anesthesiologist Assistants Rules Workshop [ [link removed] ]

 

*December 13*
Potential WMC Member Q&A [ [link removed] ]

 

*December 25 *
WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]

 

*December 27 *
Potential WMC Member Q&A [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 02 *
Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 08 *
2025 Legislative Session Kick-off [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 09 *
Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 10 *
WMC Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 10*
Potential WMC Member Q&A [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 24*
Potential WMC Member Q&A [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 27*
Use of Nitrous Oxide in Office-based Surgery Settings Rules Workshop [ [link removed] ]

 

*January 30 *
Policy: Interested Parties [ [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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