Frequently Asked Questions

(Please check back for updated FAQs)

Why is the state doing this and why is this important?

Pain management is a dynamic and challenging area of medical care. The 2010 legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2876 in response to concerns about the consequences and risks of managing chronic, long-term pain.

What does the bill require?

The bill requires five boards and commissions to adopt rules related to pain management by June 30, 2011. These boards and commissions have separate disciplining and rulemaking authority. The legislation does not require one set of rules for all professions. It does require separate rules for each profession.

What professions are included in the bill?

The legislation specifically names the Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC), Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC), Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (BOMS), Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC), and Podiatric Medical Board (PMB) . The professions include: Medical physicians and medical physician assistants, advanced registered nurse practitioners, osteopathic physicians and osteopathic physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists.

There are other professions with prescribing or dispensing authority, such as optometrists, veterinarians and pharmacists. The legislation did not require those professions to adopt rules on this subject.

Will these rules impact all types of pain management?

No. The rules required by the legislation will not apply to treatment of chronic cancer pain or acute pain caused by an injury or a surgical procedure. It also does not apply to palliative, hospice and other end of life care.

What about existing rules?

The bill requires the boards and commissions repeal existing rules about pain management by June 30, 2011. MQAC, BOMS, and PMB currently have rules that must be repealed.

How is this all going to happen?

The five named boards and commissions have each appointed two representatives to form a workgroup. The workgroup will develop pattern rules for consideration by each of the boards and commissions. The workgroup will conduct four meetings. These meetings will be open to the public. There will be opportunities for the public to provide comments.

How can I stay informed about this process or get involved?

We have created a pain management listserv and Web site to keep people informed. You can join this listserv or the listserv for one of the named professions to receive regular emails about the project. If you have questions, please send them to mailto:Medical.PainRules@doh.wa.gov.