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Commission Connection

Feb Freeze [ [link removed] ]
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1. 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.

2. WMC Offices will be closed on January 1st and 20th.

3. Ring in the New Year with Washington State Parks! First Day Hikes offer an experience for everyone to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state parks. All hikes are free, and a Discover Pass is NOT needed to park on state managed lands. More Information [ [link removed] ]





QUICK FACT

We received 2034 complaints related to the practice of medicine in 2024.

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MEeting
Public Comment Period – Thursday January 2nd

We will be holding a policy meeting on Jan. 2nd at 4 pm where we will be discussing Communicating Diagnostic Test Results and Time Critical Information to Patients and Practitioners, Clinical Experience Assessments and more. There will be time for the public to comment on any of these policies. Learn More [ [link removed] ]


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Stressed Physician
*Social Support Services*

Physicians who take the initiative to connect their patients with social services play a critical role in addressing the root causes of poor health. Housing stability, food insecurity, limited access to transportation, and mental health services are common barriers that significantly impact health outcomes. By identifying these issues and linking patients to appropriate support systems, healthcare providers can foster long-term health improvements, enhance patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system. Learn about These Services [ [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.


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CwC
*From The FAQ Page*

*Q: What is the “Inappropriate Treatment of Pain”*

A: The rules for prescribing opioids state, “The inappropriate treatment of pain is a departure from standards of practice.” For the purpose of these rules that includes:


* Nontreatment;
* Undertreatment;
* Overtreatment, and;
* The continued use of ineffective treatments.
Read More on the FAQ Page [ [link removed] ]




Upcoming Events

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 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] ]

 

February 05
How to Report Discrimination to the WMC [ [link removed] ]

 

February 07
Potential WMC Member Q&A [ [link removed] ]

 

February 21
Potential WMC Member Q&A [ [link removed] ]

 

February 27
Policy 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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