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Commission Connection


Three Things You Need to Know: 

1) WMC offices will be closed on January 1st and 19th.

2) Over a dozen new laws [ [link removed] ] will take effect in Washington state in 2026.

3) The provider credential search [ [link removed] ] can give you information on the licenses status of your healthcare provider, but you can also verify that your physician is board certified by using the Is My Doctor Certified? [ [link removed] ]look up service through the Certification Matters [ [link removed] ] site to check your physician’s board certification status.





QUICK FACT

Our most viewed video for 2025 was
“Strengthening Nurse / Doctor Communication [ [link removed] ]”

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MEeting
*Join the WMC*

The WMC is currently accepting applications to fill upcoming vacancies. The WMC helps make sure physicians and physician assistants are competent and provide quality medical care. We are looking for people willing to study the issues and make decisions in the best interest of the public. Our member selection reflects the diversity of the profession and provides representation throughout the state. On July 1, 2026, the WMC will have openings for:


* One physician representing Congressional District 3
* One physician representing Congressional District 5
* One physician representing Congressional District 9
* One Physician-at-Large
* One Physician Assistant
* Two Public Members

More information and application instructions can be found here [ [link removed] ].


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*A Look into What Happens After a Complaint is Filed*

Once you file a report (commonly referred to as a complaint), we open a case for review by our panel of commissioners to determine if your complaint meets the threshold for investigation. Our commission panel considers all the information you provided and comes to a decision based on that information and if your complaint does not meet the threshold for an investigation, it is closed. Learn More about How to file a complaint [ [link removed] ] (video), timelines and reconsiderations [ [link removed] ].


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Scam Alert
*FRAUD ALERT*

Scammers are using DOH's former vaccine hotline number to try and collect personal information, including bank account numbers. DO NOT call 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357). For vaccine information and assistance, use the following number instead:
1-866-397-0337. WMC / DOH will never ask for banking information. More Information [ [link removed] ]


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FAQ
From the FAQ Page

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

A: Anyone who has knowledge of a physician or physician assistant’s unprofessional conduct may file a report.


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*Opioid Prescribing General Provisions for Allopathic Physicians (MD) & Physician Assistants (PA)*

The WMC is amending the opioid prescribing rules to modernize the language, add clarity, and bring the rules more in line with current practice: MD WACs 246-919-850 [ [link removed] ] through 246-919-985 [ [link removed] ] and PA WACs 246-918-800 [ [link removed] ] through 246-918-935 [ [link removed] ]. The Preproposal Statement of Inquiry, or CR-101, was filed on April 30, 2025, as WSR #25-10-039. More information about this rulemaking and future workshops can be found here [ [link removed] ].

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*Allopathic Physician Rulemaking*

The WMC is amending sections in chapter 246-919 WAC Washington Medical Commission (allopathic physicians), to modernize language, add clarity, and bring the rules more in line with current practice. We will hold four additional workshops for this rulemaking beginning in January 2026. The first workshop was held on October 23. The materials and recording for that workshop can be found on the rule's page [ [link removed] ]. More information and future workshop registration can be found here [ [link removed] ].




Upcoming Events

Jan 01 - WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]

 

Jan 08 - Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]

 

Jan 15 - Personal Appearances [ [link removed] ]

 

Jan 16 - WMC Business Meeting [ [link removed] ]

 

Jan 26 - Rules Workshop Allopathic Physicians [ [link removed] ]

 

Jan 29 - Policy: Interested Parties [ [link removed] ]

 

Feb 16 - President's Day- WMC Offices Closed [ [link removed] ]

 

Feb 23 - Opioid Prescribing General Provisions for MDs and PAs Rules Workshop [ [link removed] ]

 

Feb 26 - Policy Committee [ [link removed] ]

 

For a full list of upcoming meeting, please visit our event calendar [ [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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