OLYMPIA, WA – The recent restriction of Dr. Sjardo Steneker (Lic. #00032063) may limit or curtail patients’ access to care. As a result, the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) anticipates a potential increase in patients seeking medications, including those used to treat chronic pain, and new healthcare providers. See the full press release with details regarding the commission’s legal action against Dr. Steneker here.

WMC urges physicians and facilities equipped to engage with and treat individuals displaced by the order restricting Dr. Steneker to the extent feasible. Patients may have time-sensitive needs regarding their medication regimens, including refills for chronic conditions. The WMC proactively contacted health systems, hospitals, emergency departments, and medical practices to inform them of the anticipated increase in patients, particularly those seeking opioid prescriptions. Additionally, to ensure the correct treatment of patients the WMC requires Dr. Steneker to provide free copies of patient treatment records.

The WMC encourages impacted patients to:

• Seek a new provider as soon as possible.
• Inform new providers they were treated by Dr. Steneker to reduce disruptions in care.
• Request their treatment records to assist with the transfer of care.
• Contact their primary care providers, if they are different, to see if they can keep their current medication while finding a new specialist.
• Contact their insurance carrier to obtain a list of other providers for their specific treatment needs.

The prescribing of opioids and other Schedule II drugs can cause concern to physicians and physician assistants treating patients with pain. The WMC encourages practitioners, and all those impacted by this change, to read the 2019 WMC Interpretive Statement to better understand the Commission’s rules and position  related to patient pain management. Washington State opioid prescribing rules are meant to help clinicians assess the risk of inappropriate substance use, while still ensuring people with pain don’t suffer unnecessarily.

The Department of Health 2019 opioid memo notes that, “healthcare providers accepting new patients on chronic opioid therapy that exceeds 120 mg MME per day should not feel pressured to change a patient’s current opioid dose until an appropriate assessment suggests that a change is indicated. Under Washington’s rules, patients with chronic pain new to your practice and on high-dose opioids are exempt from mandatory pain specialist consultation requirements for the first three months of newly established care if the patient is being treated for the same condition(s).”

Additionally, the WMC offers a variety of Pain Management Resources available on our website, including information about the Prescription Monitoring Program and a comprehensive booklet titled Opioid Prescribing in Washington, What You Need to Know.

Providers may also consider using the UW Pain & Opioid Provider Hotline and UW TelePain free weekly service funded by the legislature that can provide consultation for difficult chronic pain cases.

The WMC encourages patients to take an active role in understanding the requirements related to opioid use for different types of pain. To assist with this, we recommend reviewing the PDFs at the bottom of the WMC webpage here. Additionally, we encourage patients to seek out both online and in-person support groups. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide valuable insights and local resources.
A helpful listing of these support options is available at painconnection.org.

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The Washington Medical Commission promotes patient safety and enhances the integrity of the medical profession through licensing, rule-making, discipline, and education. Learn more about the commission at wmc.wa.gov. Follow the WMC on Facebook and Twitter.