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Commission Connection

news
Three Things You Need to Know: 

1. We are doing our best to keep our website updated with the most recent information, if you find a link on our website that is broken or does not take you to the indicated information, please let us know [ [link removed] ].

2. If you are an incoming Resident or Fellow, please apply [ [link removed] ] for the Physician and Surgeon Residency License unless otherwise instructed by your Program Director. The Physician and Surgeon Clinical Experience Limited license is only intended for International Medical Graduates not entering a Postgraduate Training Program.

3. During their business meeting on March 14, 2025, the WMC approved revisions to the Guidance Document on Sexual Misconduct and Abuse. The updated document is now available on the Policies & Rules page of our website [ [link removed] ].





QUICK FACT

There are 21 Washington State Medical Commissioners - all appointed by the Governor.Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Olympia
Understanding the Process: Family Viewing & Death Certificates

In Washington, there is no law requiring medical examiners or coroners to allow family members to view a deceased relative in the morgue. To make sure a person's identity is confirmed accurately, medical examiners use methods like fingerprints, dental records, DNA testing, X-rays, or visible features like tattoos and scars, rather than relying on a family member’s visual identification. To provide a safe and secure environment, medical examiner offices recommend that families coordinate with a funeral home for a private and comfortable viewing experience. Medical examiner offices are unable to accommodate family viewings in their facilities. If you notice an error on a death certificate, reach out to either the physician who completed it or the funeral director. The local health department may also provide guidance on whether the correction should be made by the physician or funeral director. The WMC provides guidelines on completing death certificates, which can be found here [ [link removed] ].


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Stressed Physician
Clinical Experience Assessment

The WMC has implemented the Clinical Experience Assessment (CEA) Policy, effective January 10, 2025, as outlined in policy number POL2025-01. This policy introduces the CEA form, designed to evaluate the readiness of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for residency programs in Washington State, in accordance with RCW 18.71.472 [ [link removed] ]. 

The document has been updated [ [link removed] ] to remove the DRAFT watermark from the Clinical Experience Assessment form and to make the form fillable.

Purpose of the CEA Form: The CEA serves as a tool for physician assessors to prepare IMGs for residency by determining their overall readiness. It is important to note that the CEA is not a component of the residency application process nor a qualification for residency.

Assessment of Residency Preparedness: The form utilizes an "entrustment" scale to evaluate the IMG's competence in various clinical tasks, aiding both the assessor and the IMG in identifying areas of strength and those requiring improvement.

Frequency of Assessment: Assessors are encouraged to use the CEA quarterly throughout the training program until the IMG achieves a passing score in all competencies, indicating readiness for residency.

Monitoring and Retention: The WMC plans to develop a monitoring system to track the effectiveness of the CEA, identifying challenges and areas for improvement in IMG pre-residency training. Completed CEA forms should be retained for four years and made available upon request.

If you have any questions about this or any other WMC policy, you can email the WMC <[email protected]>.


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*From The FAQ Page*

Q: Do I have to be the patient to file a complaint?

A: Anyone who has knowledge of a physician or physician assistant’s unprofessional conduct may file a report. More information on filing a complaint can be found on our FAQ page [ [link removed] ].


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Upcoming Events

May 01 - Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]

 

May 07 - 2025 Legislative Session Wrap Up [ [link removed] ]

 

May 08 - Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]

 

May 09 - WMC Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

 

June 26 - 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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