Pain Management

On March 4, 2011, the Medical Quality Assurance Commission passed new rules for the management of chronic noncancer pain. The rules became effective January 2, 2012.

We encourage you to email us specific questions on the pain management rules for physicians and physician assistants.

The inclusion of external links below does not indicate endorsement of the associated organizations, programs, or materials by the Medical Commission.

Patient Resources

• Chronic Pain Management for Patients (262 KB, PDF)
• American Pain Society
• Emergency Room Prescribing (261 KB, PDF)
• Pain Rules FAQs
• Medical.PainRules@doh.wa.gov

Professional Resources

• Letter to Licensees (536 KB, PDF)
• Opioid Prescribing Video and CME (Free)
• Web-based/mobile opioid dose calculator
• Pain Management Interpretive Statement
• University of Washington (UW) Pain Medicine Provider Toolkit
  • UW Project ECHO (Pain management Telehealth weekly sessions Wednesday noon-1:30)
  • UW Project ROAM (Addiction and pain Telehealth weekly sessions Friday noon-1:00)
• Washington Emergency Department Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
• Pain Rules FAQs
• Academy of Pain Management
• Medical.PainRules@doh.wa.gov

Legal Resources

• Physician and Physician Assistant Adopted Rules
• Other Pain Management Rules in DOH