WAC 246-918-845:

WACs > Title 246 > Chapter 246-918 > Section 246-918-845

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246-918-840 << 246-918-845 >> 246-918-850

PDFWAC 246-918-845

Patient evaluation and patient record—Subacute pain.

The physician assistant shall comply with the requirements in this section when prescribing opioids for subacute pain.

(1) Prior to issuing an opioid prescription for subacute pain, the physician assistant shall assess the rationale for continuing opioid therapy:

(a) Conduct an appropriate history and physical examination;

(b) Reevaluate the nature and intensity of the pain;

(c) Conduct, or cause their designee to conduct, a query of the PMP in accordance with the provisions of WAC 246-918-935;

(d) Screen the patient's level of risk for aberrant behavior and adverse events related to opioid therapy;

(e) Obtain a biological specimen test if the patient's functional status is deteriorating or if pain is escalating; and

(f) Screen or refer the patient for further consultation for psychosocial factors if the patient's functional status is deteriorating or if pain is escalating.

(2) The physician assistant treating a patient for subacute pain with opioids shall ensure that, at a minimum, the following is documented in the patient record:

(a) The presence of one or more recognized diagnoses or indications for the use of opioid pain medication;

(b) The observed or reported effect on function or pain control forming the basis to continue prescribing opioids beyond the acute pain episode;

(d) An appropriate pain treatment plan including the consideration of, or attempts to use, nonpharmacological modalities and nonopioid therapy;

(e) The action plan for any aberrant biological specimen testing results and the risk-benefit analysis if opioids are to be continued;

(f) Results of psychosocial screening or consultation;

(g) Results of screening for the patient's level of risk for aberrant behavior and adverse events related to opioid therapy, and mitigation strategies; and

(h) The risk-benefit analysis of any combination of prescribed opioid and benzodiazepines or sedative-hypnotics, if applicable.

(3) Follow-up visits for pain control must include objectives or metrics to be used to determine treatment success if opioids are to be continued. This includes, at a minimum:

(a) Change in pain level;

(b) Change in physical function;

(d) Additional indicated diagnostic evaluations or other treatments.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.71.017, 18.71.800, 18.71A.800 and 2017 c 297. WSR 18-23-061, § 246-918-845, filed 11/16/18, effective 1/1/19.]