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Opioids: Prescribing and Monitoring

Rule Description: 

Following an August 22, 2018 public hearing, the Medical Quality Assurance Commission (commission) adopted new rules in chapter 246-919 WAC (allopathic physicians) and chapter 246-918 (allopathic physician assistants). The commission adopted the rules pursuant to Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1427 which was codified in part as RCW 18.71.800 and 18.71A.800. ESHB 1427 required the commission to develop requirements for prescribing opioid drugs. The commission also amended the current pain management rules to assure alignment with the new opioid prescribing rules, increase consistent rule application, and reduce duplication between existing and new rules. The final rulemaking order was filed with the Office of the Code Reviser on November 16, 2018, as WSR #18-23-061. These changes will become effective on January 1, 2019.