Wash. Admin. Code § 246-918-815

Current through Register Vol. 24-23, December 1, 2024

Section 246-918-815 - Patient notification, secure storage, and disposal

(1) The physician assistant shall discuss with the patient the following information at the first issuance of a prescription for opioids and at the transition from acute to subacute, and subacute to chronic:

(a) Risks associated with the use of opioids, including the risk of dependence and overdose, as appropriate to the medical condition, the type of patient, and the phase of treatment;

(b) Pain management alternatives to opioids, including nonopioid pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, whenever reasonable, clinically appropriate, evidence-based alternatives exist;

(c) The safe and secure storage of opioid prescriptions;

(d) The proper disposal of unused opioid medications including, but not limited to, the availability of recognized drug take-back programs; and

(e) That the patient has the 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.

(2) The requirements in subsection (1) of this section do not apply to the administration of an opioid including, but not limited to, the following situations as documented in the patient record:

(a) Emergent care;

(b) Where patient pain represents a significant health risk;

(c) Procedures involving the administration of anesthesia;

(d) When the patient is unable to grant or revoke consent; or

(e) MAT for substance use disorders.

(3) If the patient is under eighteen years old or is not competent, the discussion required by subsection (1) of this section must include the patient's parent, guardian, or the person identified in RCW 7.70.065, unless otherwise provided by law.

(4) The physician assistant shall document completion of the requirements in subsection (1) of this section in the patient's health care record.

(5) The information in subsection (1) of this section must also be provided in writing. This requirement may be satisfied with a document provided by the department of health.

(6) To fulfill the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a physician assistant may designate any individual who holds a credential issued by a disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.040 to provide the information.

Wash. Admin. Code § 246-918-815

Adopted by WSR 18-23-061, Filed 11/16/2018, effective 1/1/2019

Amended by WSR 20-04-026, Filed 1/28/2020, effective 2/28/2020