reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.320 - Physician health program—Procedures.

RCW 18.71.320
Physician health program—Procedures.
The entity shall develop procedures in consultation with the commission for:
(1) Periodic reporting of statistical information regarding physician health program participant activity;
(2) Periodic disclosure and joint review of such information as the commission may deem appropriate regarding reports received, contacts or investigations made, and the disposition of each report. However, the entity shall not disclose any personally identifiable information except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section;
(3) Immediate reporting to the commission of the name and results of any contact or investigation regarding any suspected or verified impaired physician who is reasonably believed probably to constitute an imminent danger to himself or herself or to the public;
(4) Reporting to the commission, in a timely fashion, any suspected or verified impaired physician who fails to cooperate with the entity, fails to submit to evaluation or treatment, or whose impairment is not substantially alleviated through treatment, or who, in the opinion of the entity, is probably unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety;
(5) Informing each participant of the physician health program of the program procedures, the responsibilities of program participants, and the possible consequences of noncompliance with the program.
[ 2022 c 43 § 7; 1998 c 132 § 5; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 331; 1987 c 416 § 3. Formerly RCW 18.72.311.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1998 c 132: See notes following RCW 18.71.0195.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Effective date—1987 c 416: See note following RCW 18.71.300.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.330 - Impaired physician program—Evaluation of physician.

RCW 18.71.330
Impaired physician program—Evaluation of physician.
If the commission has reasonable cause to believe that a physician is impaired, the commission shall cause an evaluation of such physician to be conducted by the entity or the entity's designee or the commission's designee for the purpose of determining if there is an impairment. The entity or appropriate designee shall report the findings of its evaluation to the commission.
[ 1998 c 132 § 6; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 332; 1987 c 416 § 4. Formerly RCW 18.72.316.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1998 c 132: See notes following RCW 18.71.0195.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Effective date—1987 c 416: See note following RCW 18.71.300.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.340 - Impaired physician program—Entity records protected.

RCW 18.71.340
Impaired physician program—Entity records protected.
All entity records are not subject to disclosure pursuant to chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2005 c 274 § 228; 1998 c 132 § 7; 1987 c 416 § 6. Formerly RCW 18.72.321.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1998 c 132: See notes following RCW 18.71.0195.
Effective date—1987 c 416: See note following RCW 18.71.300.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.350 - Report of malpractice payments by insurers.

RCW 18.71.350
Report of malpractice payments by insurers.
(1) Every institution or organization providing professional liability insurance to physicians shall send a complete report to the commission of all malpractice settlements, awards, or payments in excess of twenty thousand dollars as a result of a claim or action for damages alleged to have been caused by an insured physician's incompetency or negligence in the practice of medicine. Such institution or organization shall also report the award, settlement, or payment of three or more claims during a five-year time period as the result of the alleged physician's incompetence or negligence in the practice of medicine regardless of the dollar amount of the award or payment.
(2) Reports required by this section shall be made within sixty days of the date of the settlement or verdict. Failure to comply with this section is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 333; 1993 c 367 § 17; 1986 c 300 § 6. Formerly RCW 18.72.340.]
NOTES:
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Legislative findings—Severability—1986 c 300: See notes following RCW 18.57.245.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.360 - Driving records.

RCW 18.71.360
Driving records.
To assist in identifying impairment related to alcohol abuse, the commission may obtain a copy of the driving record of a physician or a physician assistant maintained by the department of licensing.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 334; 1991 c 215 § 2. Formerly RCW 18.72.345.]
NOTES:
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.401 - Funds collected—Where deposited.

RCW 18.71.401
Funds collected—Where deposited.
All assessments, fines, and other funds collected or received under this chapter must be deposited in the health professions account and used solely to administer and implement this chapter.
[ 1997 c 79 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1997 c 79: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 1997." [ 1997 c 79 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.420 - Allocation of all appropriated funds.

RCW 18.71.420
Allocation of all appropriated funds.
The secretary of health shall allocate all appropriated funds to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1991 c 3 § 171; 1983 c 71 § 3. Formerly RCW 18.72.400.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.430 - Secretary and commission relationship.

RCW 18.71.430
Secretary and commission relationship.
(1) The secretary shall employ an executive director that is:
(a) Hired by and serves at the pleasure of the commission;
(b) Exempt from the provisions of the civil service law, chapter 41.06 RCW and whose salary is established by the commission in accordance with RCW 43.03.028; and
(c) Responsible for performing all administrative duties of the commission, including preparing an annual budget, and any other duties as delegated to the executive director by the commission.
(2) Consistent with the budgeting and accounting act, the commission is responsible for proposing its own biennial budget which the secretary must submit to the office of financial management.
(3) Prior to adopting credentialing fees under RCW 43.70.250, the secretary shall collaborate with the commission to determine the appropriate fees necessary to support the activities of the commission.
(4) Prior to the secretary exercising the secretary's authority to adopt uniform rules and guidelines, or any other actions that might impact the licensing or disciplinary authority of the commission, the secretary shall first meet with the commission to determine how those rules or guidelines, or changes to rules or guidelines, might impact the commission's ability to effectively carry out its statutory duties. If the commission, in consultation with the secretary, determines that the proposed rules or guidelines, or changes to existing rules or guidelines, will negatively impact the commission's ability to effectively carry out its statutory duties, then the individual commission shall collaborate with the secretary to develop alternative solutions to mitigate the impacts. If an alternative solution cannot be reached, the parties may resolve the dispute through a mediator as set forth in subsection (6) of this section.
(5) The commission shall negotiate with the secretary to develop performance-based expectations, including identification of key performance measures. The performance expectations should focus on consistent, timely regulation of health care professionals.
(6) In the event there is a disagreement between the commission and the secretary, that is unable to be resolved through negotiation, a representative of both parties shall agree on the designation of a third party to mediate the dispute.
(7) The secretary shall employ staff that are hired and managed by the executive director provided that nothing contained in this section may be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement.
[ 2013 c 81 § 3; 2011 c 60 § 7; 2008 c 134 § 29.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2013 c 81: See note following RCW 18.25.0167.
Effective date—2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919.
Finding—Intent—Severability—2008 c 134: See notes following RCW 18.130.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.440 - Commission to consider amending rules—Retired active physicians.

RCW 18.71.440
Commission to consider amending rules—Retired active physicians.
(1) The commission shall consider amending its rules on retired active physicians in a manner that improves access to health care services for the citizens of this state without compromising public safety. When considering whether to amend its rules, the commission shall, at a minimum, consider the following:
(a) Whether physicians holding retired active licenses should be allowed to provide health care services beyond primary care;
(b) Whether physicians holding retired active licenses should be allowed to provide health care services in settings beyond community clinics operated by public or private tax-exempt corporations; and
(c) The number and type of continuing education hours that physicians holding retired active licenses shall be required to obtain.
(2) The commission shall determine whether it will amend its rules in the manner suggested by this section no later than November 15, 2009. If the commission determines that it will not amend its rules, it shall provide a written explanation of its decision to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 2009.
[ 2009 c 403 § 4.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2009 c 403: See note following RCW 18.71.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.450 - Pain management rules—Repeal—Adoption of new rules.

RCW 18.71.450
Pain management rules—Repeal—Adoption of new rules.
(1) By June 30, 2011, the commission shall repeal its rules on pain management, WAC 246-919-800 through 246-919-830.
(2) By June 30, 2011, the commission shall adopt new rules on chronic, noncancer pain management that contain the following elements:
(a)(i) Dosing criteria, including:
(A) A dosage amount that must not be exceeded unless a physician first consults with a practitioner specializing in pain management; and
(B) Exigent or special circumstances under which the dosage amount may be exceeded without consultation with a practitioner specializing in pain management.
(ii) The rules regarding consultation with a practitioner specializing in pain management must, to the extent practicable, take into account:
(A) Circumstances under which repeated consultations would not be necessary or appropriate for a patient undergoing a stable, ongoing course of treatment for pain management;
(B) Minimum training and experience that is sufficient to exempt a physician from the specialty consultation requirement;
(C) Methods for enhancing the availability of consultations;
(D) Allowing the efficient use of resources; and
(E) Minimizing the burden on practitioners and patients;
(b) Guidance on when to seek specialty consultation and ways in which electronic specialty consultations may be sought;
(c) Guidance on tracking clinical progress by using assessment tools focusing on pain interference, physical function, and overall risk for poor outcome; and
(d) Guidance on tracking the use of opioids, particularly in the emergency department.
(3) The commission shall consult with the agency medical directors' group, the department of health, the University of Washington, and the largest professional association of physicians in the state.
(4) The rules adopted under this section do not apply:
(a) To the provision of palliative, hospice, or other end-of-life care; or
(b) To the management of acute pain caused by an injury or a surgical procedure.
[ 2010 c 209 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.460 - Commission—Information to legislature.

RCW 18.71.460
Commission—Information to legislature.
In addition to the authority provided in RCW 42.52.804, the commission, its members, or staff as directed by the commission, may communicate, present information requested, volunteer information, testify before legislative committees, and educate the legislature, as the commission may from time to time see fit.
[ 2013 c 81 § 4.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2013 c 81: See note following RCW 18.25.0167.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.470 - International medical graduate implementation work group—Membership—Duties—Reporting.

RCW 18.71.470
International medical graduate implementation work group—Membership—Duties—Reporting. (Expires July 1, 2025.)
(1) The international medical graduate implementation work group is established. The work group membership must consist of the following members appointed by the governor:
(a) A representative from the commission;
(b) A representative from the department of health, health systems quality assurance division;
(c) A representative from the University of Washington school of medicine graduate medical education program;
(d) A representative from the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd college of medicine graduate medical education program;
(e) A representative from the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences college of osteopathic medicine graduate medical education program;
(f) A representative from a statewide association representing physicians;
(g) A representative from the Washington state family medicine residency network;
(h) A representative from a primary care health care employer in a rural or underserved area of Washington;
(i) A representative from a health carrier offering coverage in a rural or underserved area of Washington;
(j) A licensed physician with experience working with international medical graduates;
(k) A representative from an organization specializing in refugee advocacy in Washington;
(l) A representative from an organization serving refugee physicians and international medical graduates;
(m) A representative from an organization offering counseling and educational programs to internationally trained health professionals;
(n) A representative from an organization representing community and migrant health centers; and
(o) At least two international medical graduates.
(2) Staff support for the work group must be provided by the department of health.
(3) The work group shall:
(a) Propose clinical readiness criteria for international medical graduates using published benchmarks for medical school graduation or residency admission;
(b) Propose a grant award process for distributing funds for approved entities to provide career guidance and clinical training to international medical graduates;
(c) Propose an evaluation process to grant a hardship waiver to international medical graduates who cannot provide all necessary documentation for licensure due to circumstances outside their control; and
(d) Provide policy recommendations to the legislature.
(4) The work group must submit an annual report to the legislature by June 30, 2021, and yearly thereafter.
(5) This section expires July 1, 2025.
[ 2020 c 325 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.472 - International medical graduates—Clinical assessment.

RCW 18.71.472
International medical graduates—Clinical assessment.
Based on recommendations from the international medical graduate implementation work group, the commission shall adopt a clinical assessment to determine the readiness of international medical graduates to apply and serve in residency programs and adopt a grant award process for distributing funds pursuant to RCW 18.71.475.
[ 2020 c 325 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.475 - International medical graduates—Grant funding.

RCW 18.71.475
International medical graduates—Grant funding.
Subject to appropriation by the legislature and donations received from public and private entities, the department of health shall award grant funding to:
(1) Approved entities for career guidance and support services to international medical graduates including, but not limited to, assistance with educational commission for foreign medical graduates certification application and United States medical licensing examination preparation; and
(2) Health care facilities or clinical programs to provide supervised clinical training to international medical graduates.
[ 2020 c 325 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.800 - Opioid drug prescribing rules—Adoption.

RCW 18.71.800
Opioid drug prescribing rules—Adoption.
(1) By January 1, 2019, the commission must adopt rules establishing requirements for prescribing opioid drugs. The rules may contain exemptions based on education, training, amount of opioids prescribed, patient panel, and practice environment.
(2) In developing the rules, the commission must consider the agency medical directors' group and centers for disease control guidelines, and may consult with the department of health, the University of Washington, and the largest professional association of physicians in the state.
[ 2017 c 297 § 6.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 297: See note following RCW 18.22.800.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.810 - Opioid drugs—Right to refuse.

RCW 18.71.810
Opioid drugs—Right to refuse.
By January 1, 2020, the commission must adopt or amend its rules to require physicians who prescribe opioids to inform patients of their right to refuse an opioid prescription or order for any reason. If a patient indicates a desire to not receive an opioid, the physician must document the patient's request and avoid prescribing or ordering opioids, unless the request is revoked by the patient.
[ 2019 c 314 § 8.]
NOTES:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.910 - Repeal—1909 c 192.

RCW 18.71.910
Repeal—1909 c 192.
All acts, or parts of acts, in any wise conflicting with the provisions of this act, are hereby repealed.
[ 1909 c 192 § 22.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71 - Physicians. › 18.71.920 - Repeal—1957 c 60.

RCW 18.71.920
Repeal—1957 c 60.
All acts and parts of acts to the extent that the same are in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
[ 1957 c 60 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.010 - Definitions.

RCW 18.71A.010
Definitions.
The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Commission" means the Washington medical commission.
(2) "Department" means the department of health.
(3) "Physician" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.
(4) "Physician assistant" means a person who is licensed by the commission to practice medicine according to a practice agreement with one or more participating physicians, with at least one of the physicians working in a supervisory capacity, and who is academically and clinically prepared to provide health care services and perform diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative, and health maintenance services.
(5) "Practice agreement" means an agreement entered under RCW 18.71A.120.
(6) "Practice medicine" has the meaning defined in RCW 18.71.011 and also includes the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery as defined in RCW 18.57.001.
(7) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
[ 2020 c 80 § 2. Prior: 2019 c 55 § 5; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 318; 1990 c 196 § 1; 1988 c 113 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 190 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 30 § 1.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
Effective date—2020 c 80 §§ 1-10 and 60: "Sections 1 through 10 and 60 of this act take effect July 1, 2021." [ 2020 c 80 § 61.]
Intent—2020 c 80: "The legislature intends to modernize the practice of physician assistants in order to increase access to care, reduce barriers to employment of physician assistants, and optimize the manner in which physician assistants deliver quality medical care." [ 2020 c 80 § 1.]
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 30: "If any provision of this 1971 act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1971 ex.s. c 30 § 13.]
Washington medical commission: Chapter 18.71 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.023 - Practice requirements—Military training or experience.

RCW 18.71A.023
Practice requirements—Military training or experience.
An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the commission determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state.
[ 2011 c 32 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.025 - Application of uniform disciplinary act.

RCW 18.71A.025
Application of uniform disciplinary act.
(1) The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs the issuance and denial of licenses and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.
(2) The commission shall consult with the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery when investigating allegations of unprofessional conduct against a licensee who has a supervising physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW.
[ 2020 c 80 § 4; 1986 c 259 § 106.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 80 §§ 1-10 and 60: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.030 - Limitations on practice—Scope of practice.

RCW 18.71A.030
Limitations on practice—Scope of practice.
(1) A physician assistant may practice medicine in this state to the extent permitted by the practice agreement. A physician assistant shall be subject to discipline under chapter 18.130 RCW.
(2) Physician assistants may provide services that they are competent to perform based on their education, training, and experience and that are consistent with their practice agreement. The supervising physician and the physician assistant shall determine which procedures may be performed and the supervision under which the procedure is performed. Physician assistants may practice in any area of medicine or surgery as long as the practice is not beyond the supervising physician's own scope of expertise and clinical practice and the practice agreement.
(3) A physician assistant delivering general anesthesia or intrathecal anesthesia pursuant to a practice agreement with a physician shall show evidence of adequate education and training in the delivery of the type of anesthesia being delivered on his or her practice agreement.
[ 2020 c 80 § 5; 2016 c 155 § 23; 2013 c 203 § 6; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 320; 1993 c 28 § 6; 1990 c 196 § 3; 1971 ex.s. c 30 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 80 §§ 1-10 and 60: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Rules—2013 c 203: "The medical quality assurance commission [medical commission] and board of osteopathic medicine and surgery, working in collaboration with a statewide organization representing the interests of physician assistants, shall adopt new rules modernizing the current rules regulating physician assistants and report to the legislature by December 31, 2014." [ 2013 c 203 § 8.]
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.045 - Eligibility of foreign medical school graduates.

RCW 18.71A.045
Eligibility of foreign medical school graduates.
Foreign medical school graduates shall not be eligible for licensing as physician assistants after July 1, 1989.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 322; 1988 c 113 § 2.]
NOTES:
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.050 - Physician's liability, responsibility.

RCW 18.71A.050
Physician's liability, responsibility.
No physician who enters into a practice agreement with a licensed physician assistant in accordance with and within the terms of any permission granted by the commission is considered as aiding and abetting an unlicensed person to practice medicine. The supervising physician and physician assistant shall each retain professional and personal responsibility for any act which constitutes the practice of medicine as defined in RCW 18.71.011 or the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery as defined in RCW 18.57.001 when performed by the physician assistant.
[ 2020 c 80 § 7; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 323; 1993 c 28 § 8; 1990 c 196 § 5; 1986 c 259 § 114; 1971 ex.s. c 30 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 80 §§ 1-10 and 60: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.060 - Limitations on health care services.

RCW 18.71A.060
Limitations on health care services.
No health care services may be performed under this chapter in any of the following areas:
(1) The measurement of the powers or range of human vision, or the determination of the accommodation and refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general, or the fitting or adaptation of lenses or frames for the aid thereof.
(2) The prescribing or directing the use of, or using, any optical device in connection with ocular exercises, visual training, vision training, or orthoptics.
(3) The prescribing of contact lenses for, or the fitting or adaptation of contact lenses to, the human eye.
(4) Nothing in this section shall preclude the performance of routine visual screening.
(5) The practice of dentistry or dental hygiene as defined in chapters 18.32 and 18.29 RCW respectively. The exemptions set forth in RCW 18.32.030 (1) and (8), shall not apply to a physician assistant.
(6) The practice of chiropractic as defined in chapter 18.25 RCW including the adjustment or manipulation of the articulations of the spine.
(7) The practice of podiatric medicine and surgery as defined in chapter 18.22 RCW.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 324; 1990 c 196 § 6; 1973 c 77 § 21; 1971 ex.s. c 30 § 6.]
NOTES:
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.085 - Acupuncture.

RCW 18.71A.085
Acupuncture.
Any physician assistant acupuncturist currently licensed by the commission may continue to perform acupuncture under the physician assistant license as long as he or she maintains licensure as a physician assistant.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 325; 1990 c 196 § 10.]
NOTES:
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.090 - Signing and attesting to required documentation.

RCW 18.71A.090
Signing and attesting to required documentation.
(1) A physician assistant may sign and attest to any certificates, cards, forms, or other required documentation that the physician assistant's supervising physician or physician group may sign, provided that it is within the physician assistant's scope of practice and is consistent with the terms of the physician assistant's practice agreement as required by this chapter.
(2) Notwithstanding any federal law, rule, or medical staff bylaw provision to the contrary, a physician is not required to countersign orders written in a patient's clinical record or an official form by a physician assistant with whom the physician has a practice agreement.
[ 2020 c 80 § 8; 2007 c 264 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 80 §§ 1-10 and 60: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Finding—Intent—2007 c 264: "The legislature finds that some state agencies and departments do not accept the signature of physician assistants on certain certificates, reports, and other documents that their supervising physician is permitted to sign, notwithstanding the fact that the signing of such documents is within the physician assistant's scope of practice, covered under their practice arrangement plan, and permitted pursuant to WAC 246-918-140.
It is therefore the intent of the legislature to clarify in statute what was adopted by rule in WAC 246-918-140, that a physician assistant may sign and attest to any document that might ordinarily be signed by the supervising physician and that is consistent with the terms of the practice arrangement plan." [ 2007 c 264 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.100 - Pain management rules—Criteria for new rules.

RCW 18.71A.100
Pain management rules—Criteria for new rules.
(1) By June 30, 2011, the commission shall adopt new rules on chronic, noncancer pain management that contain the following elements:
(a)(i) Dosing criteria, including:
(A) A dosage amount that must not be exceeded unless a physician assistant first consults with a practitioner specializing in pain management; and
(B) Exigent or special circumstances under which the dosage amount may be exceeded without consultation with a practitioner specializing in pain management.
(ii) The rules regarding consultation with a practitioner specializing in pain management must, to the extent practicable, take into account:
(A) Circumstances under which repeated consultations would not be necessary or appropriate for a patient undergoing a stable, ongoing course of treatment for pain management;
(B) Minimum training and experience that is sufficient to exempt a physician assistant from the specialty consultation requirement;
(C) Methods for enhancing the availability of consultations;
(D) Allowing the efficient use of resources; and
(E) Minimizing the burden on practitioners and patients;
(b) Guidance on when to seek specialty consultation and ways in which electronic specialty consultations may be sought;
(c) Guidance on tracking clinical progress by using assessment tools focusing on pain interference, physical function, and overall risk for poor outcome; and
(d) Guidance on tracking the use of opioids, particularly in the emergency department.
(2) The commission shall consult with the agency medical directors' group, the department of health, the University of Washington, and the largest professional association of physician assistants in the state.
(3) The rules adopted under this section do not apply:
(a) To the provision of palliative, hospice, or other end-of-life care; or
(b) To the management of acute pain caused by an injury or a surgical procedure.
[ 2010 c 209 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.110 - Down syndrome—Parent information.

RCW 18.71A.110
Down syndrome—Parent information.
A physician assistant who provides a parent with a positive prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome shall provide the parent with the information prepared by the department under RCW 43.70.738 at the time the physician assistant provides the parent with the Down syndrome diagnosis.
[ 2016 c 70 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.140 - Licenses issued under chapter 18.57A RCW.

RCW 18.71A.140
Licenses issued under chapter 18.57A RCW.
(1) On or after July 1, 2021, no new licenses may be issued under *chapter 18.57A RCW. The commission shall license physician assistants licensed under *chapter 18.57A RCW prior to July 1, 2021, as physician assistants under this chapter when they renew their licenses.
(2) The board of osteopathic medicine and surgery remains the disciplining authority under chapter 18.130 RCW for conduct occurring while a physician assistant is licensed under *chapter 18.57A RCW.
[ 2020 c 80 § 10.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 18.57A RCW was repealed in its entirety by section 59, chapter 80, Laws of 2020, effective July 1, 2022.
Effective date—2020 c 80 §§ 1-10 and 60: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.150 - Rules—Chapter 80, Laws of 2020.

RCW 18.71A.150
Rules—Chapter 80, Laws of 2020.
The commission and the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery shall adopt any rules necessary to implement chapter 80, Laws of 2020.
[ 2020 c 80 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.800 - Opioid drug prescribing rules—Adoption.

RCW 18.71A.800
Opioid drug prescribing rules—Adoption.
(1) By January 1, 2019, the commission must adopt rules establishing requirements for prescribing opioid drugs. The rules may contain exemptions based on education, training, amount of opioids prescribed, patient panel, and practice environment.
(2) In developing the rules, the commission must consider the agency medical directors' group and centers for disease control guidelines, and may consult with the department of health, the University of Washington, and the largest professional association of physician assistants in the state.
[ 2017 c 297 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 297: See note following RCW 18.22.800.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71A - Physician Assistants. › 18.71A.810 - Opioid drugs—Right to refuse.

RCW 18.71A.810
Opioid drugs—Right to refuse.
By January 1, 2020, the commission must adopt or amend its rules to require physician assistants who prescribe opioids to inform patients of their right to refuse an opioid prescription or order for any reason. If a patient indicates a desire to not receive an opioid, the physician assistant must document the patient's request and avoid prescribing or ordering opioids, unless the request is revoked by the patient.
[ 2019 c 314 § 9.]
NOTES:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.010 - Purpose.

RCW 18.71B.010
Purpose.
In order to strengthen access to health care, and in recognition of the advances in the delivery of health care, the member states of the interstate medical licensure compact have allied in common purpose to develop a comprehensive process that complements the existing licensing and regulatory authority of state medical boards, provides a streamlined process that allows physicians to become licensed in multiple states, thereby enhancing the portability of a medical license and ensuring the safety of patients. The compact creates another pathway for licensure and does not otherwise change a state's existing medical practice act. The compact also adopts the prevailing standard for licensure and affirms that the practice of medicine occurs where the patient is located at the time of the physician-patient encounter, and therefore, requires the physician to be under the jurisdiction of the state medical board where the patient is located. State medical boards that participate in the compact retain the jurisdiction to impose an adverse action against a license to practice medicine in that state issued to a physician through the procedures in the compact.
[ 2017 c 195 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.030 - Eligibility.

RCW 18.71B.030
Eligibility.
(1) A physician must meet the eligibility requirements as defined in RCW 18.71B.020(11) to receive an expedited license under the terms and provisions of the compact.
(2) A physician who does not meet the requirements of RCW 18.71B.020(11) may obtain a license to practice medicine in a member state if the individual complies with all laws and requirements, other than the compact, relating to the issuance of a license to practice medicine in that state.
[ 2017 c 195 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.040 - Designation of state of principal license.

RCW 18.71B.040
Designation of state of principal license.
(1) A physician shall designate a member state as the state of principal license for purposes of registration for expedited licensure through the compact if the physician possesses a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in that state, and the state is:
(a) The state of primary residence for the physician; or
(b) The state where at least twenty-five percent of the practice of medicine occurs; or
(c) The location of the physician's employer; or
(d) If no state qualifies under (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, the state designated as state of residence for purpose of federal income tax.
(2) A physician may redesignate a member state as state of principal license at any time, as long as the state meets the requirements in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The interstate commission is authorized to develop rules to facilitate redesignation of another member state as the state of principal license.
[ 2017 c 195 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.050 - Application and issuance of expedited licensure.

RCW 18.71B.050
Application and issuance of expedited licensure.
(1) A physician seeking licensure through the compact shall file an application for an expedited license with the member board of the state selected by the physician as the state of principal license.
(2) Upon receipt of an application for an expedited license, the member board within the state selected as the state of principal license shall evaluate whether the physician is eligible for expedited licensure and issue a letter of qualification, verifying or denying the physician's eligibility, to the interstate commission.
(a) Static qualifications which include verification of medical education, graduate medical education, results of any medical or licensing examination, and other qualifications as determined by the interstate commission through rule, shall not be subject to additional primary source verification where already primary source verified by the state of principal license.
(b) The member board within the state selected as the state of principal license shall, in the course of verifying eligibility, perform a criminal background check of an applicant, including the use of the results of fingerprint or other biometric data checks compliant with the requirements of the federal bureau of investigation, with the exception of federal employees who have suitability determination in accordance [with] United States 5 C.F.R. § 731.202.
(c) Appeal on the determination of eligibility shall be made to the member state where the application was filed and shall be subject to the laws of that state.
(3) Upon verification in subsection (2) of this section, physicians eligible for an expedited license shall complete the registration process established by the interstate commission to receive a license in a member state selected pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, including the payment of any applicable fees.
(4) After receiving verification of eligibility under subsection (2) of this section and any fees under subsection (3) of this section, a member board shall issue an expedited license to the physician. This license shall authorize the physician to practice medicine in the issuing state consistent with the medical practice act and all applicable laws and regulations of the issuing member board and member state.
(5) An expedited license shall be valid for a period consistent with the licensure period in the member state and in the same manner as required for other physicians holding a full and unrestricted license within the member state.
(6) An expedited license obtained through the compact shall be terminated if a physician fails to maintain a license in the state of principal licensure for a nondisciplinary reason, without redesignation of a new state of principal licensure.
(7) The interstate commission is authorized to develop rules regarding the application process, including payment of any applicable fees, and the issuance of an expedited license.
[ 2017 c 195 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.060 - Fees for expedited licensure.

RCW 18.71B.060
Fees for expedited licensure.
(1) A member state issuing an expedited license authorizing the practice of medicine in that state may impose a fee for a license issued or renewed through the compact.
(2) The interstate commission is authorized to develop rules regarding fees for expedited licenses.
[ 2017 c 195 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.070 - Renewal and continued participation.

RCW 18.71B.070
Renewal and continued participation.
(1) A physician seeking to renew an expedited license granted in a member state shall complete a renewal process with the interstate commission if the physician:
(a) Maintains a full and unrestricted license in a state of principal license;
(b) Has not been convicted, received adjudication, deferred adjudication, community supervision, or deferred disposition for any offense by a court of appropriate jurisdiction;
(c) Has not had a license authorizing the practice of medicine subject to discipline by a licensing agency in any state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction, excluding any action related to nonpayment of fees related to a license; and
(d) Has not had a controlled substance license or permit suspended or revoked by a state or the United States drug enforcement administration.
(2) Physicians shall comply with all continuing professional development or continuing medical education requirements for renewal of a license issued by a member state.
(3) The interstate commission shall collect any renewal fees charged for the renewal of a license and distribute the fees to the applicable member board.
(4) Upon receipt of any renewal fees collected in subsection (3) of this section, a member board shall renew the physician's license.
(5) Physician information collected by the interstate commission during the renewal process with [will] be distributed to all member boards.
(6) The interstate commission is authorized to develop rules to address renewal of licenses obtained through the compact.
[ 2017 c 195 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.080 - Coordinated information system.

RCW 18.71B.080
Coordinated information system.
(1) The interstate commission shall establish a database of all physicians licensed, or who have applied for licensure, under RCW 18.71B.050.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, member boards shall report to the interstate commission any public action or complaints against a licensed physician who has applied or received an expedited license through the compact.
(3) Member boards shall report disciplinary or investigatory information determined as necessary and proper by rule of the interstate commission.
(4) Member boards may report any nonpublic complaint, disciplinary, or investigatory information not required by subsection (3) of this section to the interstate commission.
(5) Member boards shall share complaint or disciplinary information about a physician upon request of another member board.
(6) All information provided to the interstate commission or distributed by member boards shall be confidential, filed under seal, and used only for investigatory or disciplinary matters.
(7) The interstate commission is authorized to develop rules for mandated or discretionary sharing of information by member boards.
[ 2017 c 195 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.71B - Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. › 18.71B.090 - Joint investigations.

RCW 18.71B.090
Joint investigations.
(1) Licensure and disciplinary records of physicians are deemed investigative.
(2) In addition to the authority granted to a member board by its respective medical practice act or other applicable state law, a member board may participate with other member boards in joint investigations of physicians licensed by the member boards.
(3) A subpoena issued by a member state shall be enforceable in other member states.
(4) Member boards may share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the compact.
(5) Any member state may investigate actual or alleged violations of the statutes authorizing the practice of medicine in any other member state in which a physician holds a license to practice medicine.
[ 2017 c 195 § 9.]