PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2013.
Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to ensure safe, appropriate and effective drug therapy designed to improve clinical outcomes and to support a successful return to work. The adopted rule language updates the coverage of and payment for prescription drugs and describes specific authorization requirements for the payment of opioids. Authorization requirements for opioids are based on best practices and will improve the care for injured workers and help save lives.
Washington is among those states with the highest rate of prescription opioid-related deaths in the United States. This now exceeds both motor vehicle accidents and firearms as the leading cause of injury-related death.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 296-20-03016, 296-20-03019, 296-20-03020, 296-20-03021, 296-20-03022, 296-20-03023 and 296-20-03024; and amending WAC 296-20-03010, 296-20-03011, 296-20-03012, 296-20-03015, and 296-20-03101.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 13-07-058 on March 19, 2013.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Clarifying language was added to WAC 296-20-03011, 296-20-03050, 296-20-03055, 296-20-03058, 296-20-03060, 296-20-03065, 296-20-03070, and 296-20-03075.
This concise explanatory statement (CES) refers to comments made in response to proposed rules related to the coverage of and payment for prescription drugs. Rules are necessary to ensure safe, appropriate and effective drug therapy designed to improve clinical outcomes and to support a successful return to work.
AMENDED SECTIONS: WAC 296-20-03010 What are the general principles the department uses to determine coverage on drugs and medications?, 296-20-03011 What general limitations are in place for medications?, 296-20-03012 Where can I find the department's outpatient drug and medication coverage decisions?, 296-20-03015 What steps may the department or self-insurer take when concerned about the amount or appropriateness of drugs and medications prescribed to the injured worker?, and 296-20-06101 What reports are health care providers required to submit to the insurer?
NEW SECTIONS: WAC 296-20-03030 Definitions associated with opioid authorization and payment, 296-20-03035 Checking the prescription monitoring program data base, 296-20-03040 Administering urine drug testing, 296-20-03045 Tracking function and pain, 296-20-03050 Preinjury opioid use, 296-20-03055 Opioid authorization requirement for the acute phase (0-6 weeks), 296-20-03056 Opioid authorization requirement for the subacute phase (6-12 weeks), 296-20-03057 Opioid authorization requirement for the chronic phase (> 12 weeks), 296-20-03058 Opioid authorization requirement for ongoing chronic opioid therapy, 296-20-03059 Opioid authorization requirement for catastrophic injuries, 296-20-03060 Episodic care for pain, 296-20-03065 Managing surgical pain in workers on opioid therapy, 296-20-03070 When opioid prescribing is not proper and necessary care, 296-20-03075 When to discontinue opioids, 296-20-03080 Weaning or detoxification, and 296-20-03085 Addiction treatment.
REPEALED SECTIONS: WAC 296-20-03016 Is detoxification and/or chemical dependency treatment covered?, 296-20-03019 Under what conditions will the department or self-insurer pay for oral opioid treatment for chronic, noncancer pain?, 296-20-03020 What are the authorization requirements for treatment of chronic, noncancer pain with opioids?, 296-20-03021 What documentation is required to be submitted for continued coverage of opioids to treat chronic, noncancer pain?, 296-20-03022 How long will the department or self-insurer continue to pay for opioids to treat chronic, noncancer pain?, 296-20-03023 When may the department or self-insurer deny payment of opioid medications used to treat chronic, noncancer pain?, and 296-20-03024 Will the department or self-insurer pay for nonopioid medications for the treatment of chronic, noncancer pain?
I. Purpose of this Rule Making:
Why is this rule making being adopted? The purpose of this rule making is to ensure safe, appropriate and effective drug therapy designed to improve clinical outcomes and to support a successful return to work. Primarily, this rule making is necessary to support key concepts in the department of labor and industries' (L&I) new guideline for prescribing opioids to treat pain in injured workers, ensure consistency with the department of health's (DOH) pain management rules and reverse the trend of prescription opioid-related death and disability. This rule making also includes:
| • | Clarifying payment for prescription drugs to those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other similar regulatory agencies outside the United States, to address treatment of workers who live in other countries, and |
| • | Allowing claims that are held open for life-sustaining treatment and pensioners with ongoing medical treatment the convenience of receiving a ninety-day supply of prescription drugs via mail-order to improve customer service and implement the state auditor's office (SAO) prescription drug audit recommendation. |
The effective date for this rule is July 1, 2013.
II. Purpose of the CES: The purpose of this document is to respond to the oral and written comments directly related to the proposed rule language, received through the public comment period and a public hearing. The public comment period for this rule making began March 19, 2013, and ended noon April 26, 2013.
III. Public Hearing: A public hearing was held to receive comments from interested parties regarding this rule making. The hearing took place on April 23, 2013, at the L&I regional service location in Tukwila.
No one attended the hearing. The written comment deadline as published in the CR-102 was April 23, 2013, at 5 p.m. The deadline for L&I to receive written comments was extended to noon, April 26, 2013, during the public hearing in compliance with RCW 34.05.325. The extension of the written comment period was also communicated in a department press release and as an addendum to the April 2013, Provider Newsletter.
IV. Summary of Comments Received Directly Related to this
Rule Making, Including Department Responses and, Where
Applicable, Changes to the Rule: The department received five
written comments on this rule making. In general, commenters
supported the proposed rule language with some requests for
clarification. One commenter was opposed to the documentation
requirements.
Department Response: The rules support the use of best practices necessary to safely and effectively prescribe opioids to treat patients with chronic noncancer pain. Effective chronic opioid therapy should result in improved work capacity or the ability to progress in vocational retraining or a successful return to work.
Rule Change: No changes were made in response to this comment.
WAC 296-20-03010 What are the general principles the
department uses to determine drug coverage?
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: Editing changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03011 What general limitations are in place for
drugs?
Comments Received: Commenter recommended changing a limitation on the amount dispensed for drugs from a 30-day to 28-day supply to ensure the next refill date falls on a day of the week when the prescriber is usually in the office.
Department Response: Changing the limitation on the amount dispensed to a 28-day supply would affect all drug therapy not just opioids, and result in additional cost because of one extra dispensing fee per year. Currently, billing edits prevent billing of prescription with more than a 30-day supply, but does not prevent providers from writing prescription with less than a 30-day supply.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC in response to this comment. The department may implement a billing edit to prevent opioid prescriptions with more than a 28-day supply.
Department Comment: The department has moved proposed language within this WAC section to clarify the availability of a ninety-day supply of drugs for workers.
Rule Change: Clarifying language has been added to WAC 296-20-03011 as stated in part, "(1) Amount dispensed. The
department or self-insurer will pay for no more than a
thirty-day supply of a ((medication)) drug dispensed at any
one time except in pension cases (see subsection (6) of this
section) and claims that are held open for life-sustaining
treatment. In these cases, up to a ninety-day supply of the
drug is payable when:
•
Coverage has been authorized; and
•
The drug is not a controlled substance; and
•
The drug is obtained through a designated provider
... "
WAC 296-20-03012 Where can I find the department's outpatient
drug coverage decisions?
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03015 What steps may the department or self-insurer
take when concerned about the amount or appropriateness of
drugs prescribed for the injured worker?
Comment Received: Commenter asked if the attending provider (AP) continues to prescribe opioids after L&I terminates payment, at low morphine equivalent dose (MED) which does not meet the "risk of harm" definition, whether the provider would still be at risk from penalties including removal from the network?
Department Response: Once opioids are denied on a claim prescribing low dose opioids doesn't meet the risk of harm definition and will not place the prescriber at risk for penalties. This would only occur if the prescriber continues to prescribe opioids after the development of a severe adverse event which would meet the "risk of harm" definition or opioid use is itself a barrier to recovery.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC in response to this comment.
Rule Change: Editing changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03030 Definitions associated with opioid
authorization and payment.
Comments Received: Commenter asked to clarify the definition of baseline, how is a baseline determined, what if you are not the provider who initially assessed baseline function and pain status and if workers have a year to file for an injury and two years for occupational disease, where does baseline begin?
Department Response: These scenarios exist with the current authorization process. As part of the implementation, the department is planning to create a new "identifier" for documents relating to opioid authorization that can be accessed by providers and staff via the claimant account center. The new guideline recommends baseline measures of function and pain within two weeks of filing a claim. In addition, the baseline is required before opioid coverage is extended through the subacute and chronic phase, so this should be available in the record.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03035 Checking the prescription monitoring program
data base.
Comments Received: Commenter urged the department to make checking the state's prescription monitoring program mandatory before providers prescribe opioids for new injuries in order to identify potential red flags early in the claim.
Department Response: The proposed rule language is consistent with L&I's new Guideline for Prescribing Opioids to Treat Pain in Injured Workers. There are circumstances which make checking the prescription monitoring program on new injuries challenging and making this a requirement would not allow flexibility in these circumstances.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03040 Administering urine drug testing.
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03045 Tracking function and pain.
Comments Received: Commenter did not like this WAC and as a board-certified doctor, she didn't need one more thing to do to be compliant with the rule.
Department response: The department currently requires tracking of function and pain at least every 60 days during chronic opioid therapy. The new rule requires function and pain to be assessed earlier to obtain a baseline, but otherwise decreases tracking of function and pain to every 90 days during chronic opioid therapy.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03050 Preinjury opioid use.
Comments Received: Commenter asked if increased opioids are indicated beyond six weeks for an industrial injury above the preopioid MED, why would the increase above baseline not be covered by the department?
Department Response: The intent is to discourage continued escalating doses after the acute phase. The department agrees that severe injuries may need more than six weeks to return to preinjury status, thus language will be added to this WAC to clarify that coverage may be extended through the subacute phase for severe injuries or beyond for catastrophic injuries.
Rule Change: "The department or self-insurer is not responsible for the continuation of preinjury opioid use or any adverse outcomes which may result. For workers with preinjury chronic opioid therapy, payment for opioids beyond the acute phase will not be authorized except:
•
For catastrophic injuries (see WAC 296-20-03059);
and
•
For severe injuries, coverage may be extended
through the subacute phase."
WAC 296-20-03055 Opioid authorization requirement for the
acute phase (0-6 weeks).
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: The department made a clarifying change to this WAC.
"The department or self-insurer may cover opioids for up to six weeks when prescribed to treat pain from the acute industrial injury or after an authorized surgery."
WAC 296-20-03056 Opioid authorization requirement for the
subacute phase (6-12 weeks).
Comments Received: Commenter recommended the department require providers to document all nonopioid therapies attempted along with outcomes during the subacute phase. In addition, the department should require providers to document a treatment plan that includes a proposed timeline for weaning if clinically meaningful improvement in function was not achieved and information on nonopioid and nonpharmacologic therapies during and following the weaning process.
Department Response: The proposed rule language requires providers to document that reasonable alternatives to opioids have been tried and have failed as one of the criteria during the subacute phase. In addition, the timeline for weaning is specified under WAC 296-20-03030, step 1 and 2 taper.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03057 Opioid authorization requirement for the
chronic phase (>12 weeks).
Comments Received: Commenter recommended the department require providers to document a treatment plan that includes a proposed timeline for weaning if clinically meaningful improvement in function was not achieved and information on nonopioid and nonpharmacologic therapies during and following the weaning process.
Department Response: The timeline for weaning is specified under WAC 296-20-03030, step 1 and 2 taper as well as adjuvant treatment to aid with the weaning process under WAC 296-20-03080.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC in response to this comment.
Rule Change: Editing changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03058 Opioid authorization requirement for ongoing
chronic opioid therapy.
Comments Received: Commenter asked which function scale are you using?
Department Response: The department is referencing the two item graded chronic pain scale and will clarify this in the WAC language.
Rule Change: The department made clarifying changes to this WAC.
"Before the department or self-insurer authorizes continued payment for chronic opioid therapy, the provider must routinely, at least every ninety days or more frequently, according to the worker's risk, review the effects of opioids to determine whether therapy should continue and document the following best practices:
| • | Clinically meaningful improvement in function or
pain interference with function score of < 4 on the
two item graded chronic pain scale is maintained
with stable dosing. |
"... Workers receiving chronic opioid therapy should be
managed by a single prescribing provider. If the prescribing
provider is unavailable, then refills should be addressed by
the covering provider and allowed on a limited basis only.
See WAC 296-20-03060 Episodic care for pain, regarding
unscheduled refills from visits to emergency departments or
urgent care facilities for pain management.
WAC 296-20-03059 Opioid authorization requirement for
catastrophic injuries.
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: Editing changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03060 Episodic care for pain.
Comments Received: Commenter asked for a definition of urgent care visit.
Department Response: The intent is to limit unscheduled visits to other than the usual place of care for pain management. The department will clarify the language in this WAC.
Rule Change: "The department or self-insurer may pay for one pain-related emergency or urgent care visit related to the accepted condition for a worker already receiving opioid therapy, but payment for additional emergency or urgent care visits may be denied. Urgent care visit includes any unscheduled visit to other than the usual place of care for pain management. Workers receiving opioid therapy should be managed by a single prescriber."
WAC 296-20-03065 Managing surgical pain in workers on opioid
therapy.
Comments Received: Commenter recommended changing the language to be consistent with the L&I Opioid Guideline.
Department Response: The intent is to discourage continued escalating doses after surgery. The department will clarify the language in this WAC.
Rule Change: "The provider must should taper the
worker's total opioids to the preoperative dose or lower by
six weeks after surgery. Upon request, and depending on the
complexity of the surgery, the department or self-insurer may
authorize an additional six weeks for the provider to taper
opioids to the preoperative or lower dose."
WAC 296-20-03070 When opioid prescribing is not proper and
necessary care.
Comments Received: Commenter asked what are the consequences of a provider choosing to prescribe opioids not covered by L&I for palliative purposes, e.g., Vicodin at bedtime?
Department Response: Once opioids are denied on a claim, prescribing low dose opioids doesn't meet the "risk of harm" definition and will not place the prescriber at risk for penalties. The provider's prescribing practices would meet the definition of "risk of harm" only if the prescriber continues to prescribe opioids after the development of a severe adverse event or opioid use is itself a barrier to recovery. The department will reference the definition for proper and necessary and clarify applicability to the workers' compensation system.
Rule Change: "Continuing to prescribe opioids in the absence of clinically meaningful improvement in function or after the development of a severe adverse outcome, or prescribing opioids in escalating doses to the point of the worker developing opioid use disorder is not considered proper and necessary care in the Washington state's workers' compensation system (see WAC 296-20-01002 for the definition of proper and necessary care). Further coverage of opioids under these circumstances is not payable."
WAC 296-20-03075 When to discontinue opioids.
Comments Received: Commenter suggested changing language to be consistent with the guideline and to clarify when the worker's risk from continued treatment outweighs the benefit. In addition, commenter has suggested clarifying attending provider's request for an opioid wean to include concern for potential adverse outcomes and to change wean to discontinuation.
Department Response: Language is already included in this WAC to cover the situation when the treating provider feels continued opioid therapy is not warranted for any reason. There is also flexibility so that this determination can be made by the treating provider, attending provider or department's medical staff. In response to request for clarifying language regarding the attending provider and changing wean to discontinuation, the department will revise the language for clarification.
Rule Change: WAC 296-20-03075 states in part, "The prescriber must discontinue opioids under the following circumstances:
| • | The worker |
| • | The attending provider, because of concern for potential adverse outcomes, requests opioid discontinuation ... " |
WAC 296-20-03080 Weaning or detoxification.
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-03085 Addiction treatment.
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed amendments to this WAC.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
WAC 296-20-06101 What reports are health care providers
required to submit to the insurer?
Comments Received: Commenter asked if the activity prescription form (APF) currently replaced the loss of earning power (LEP) and doctor's estimate of physical capacity form.
Department Response: Although the APF has information on LEP and the Doctor's estimate of physical capacity, the department still uses both forms for other purposes.
Rule Change: No changes were made to this WAC.
Repealing WAC 296-20-03016 Is detoxification and/or
chemical dependency treatment covered?, 296-20-03019 Under
what conditions will the department or self-insurer pay for
oral opioid treatment for chronic noncancer pain?,
296-20-03020 What are the authorization requirements for
treatment of chronic, noncancer pain with opioids?,
296-20-03021 What documentation is required to be submitted
for continued coverage of opioids to treat chronic, noncancer
pain?, 296-20-03022 How long will the department or
self-insurer continue to pay for opioids to treat chronic,
noncancer pain?, 296-20-03023 When may the department or
self-insurer deny payment of opioid medications used to treat
chronic, noncancer pain?, and 296-20-03024 Will the department
or self-insurer pay for nonopioid medications for the
treatment of chronic, noncancer pain?
No comments were received suggesting changes to the proposed repeal WACs.
Rule Change: No changes were made to these WACs.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 16, Amended 5, Repealed 7.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 16, Amended 5, Repealed 7.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: May 28, 2013.
Joel Sacks
Director
OTS-5319.6
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-01-040, filed 12/7/99,
effective 1/20/00)
WAC 296-20-03010
What are the general principles the
department uses to determine ((coverage on)) drug((s and
medications)) coverage?
((The department or self-insurer pays
for drugs that are deemed proper and necessary to treat the
industrial injury or occupational disease accepted under the
claim. In general, the department will consider coverage for
all FDA approved drugs for stated indications. The department
or self-insurer may pay for prescriptions for off label
indications when used within current medical standards and
prescribed in compliance with published contraindications,
precautions and warnings.)) In general, the department
evaluates data on safety, health outcomes and
cost-effectiveness for coverage. The department or
self-insurer considers payment for drugs, including biologics
and controlled substances, when:
• The drug is used to treat the industrial injury or occupational disease accepted under the claim; and
• The drug is prescribed consistent with the department's rules, guidelines and coverage decisions, and either:
– The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for that condition and prescribed in accordance with labeling, or is licensed by a regulatory entity similar to the FDA for workers who reside outside the United States; or
– If the drug is prescribed off-label, the use is supported by published scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness from high quality randomized trials (see WAC 296-20-02704). Off-label is defined as use of a FDA-approved drug for an indication which has not received FDA approval or is otherwise not consistent with the drug labeling.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030. 00-01-040, § 296-20-03010, filed 12/7/99, effective 1/20/00.]
• Coverage has been authorized; and
• The drug is not a controlled substance; and
• The drug is obtained through a designated provider.
(2) Over-the-counter drugs. Prescriptions for over-the-counter items may be paid. Special compounding fees for over-the-counter items are not payable.
(3) Generic drugs. Prescriptions are to be written for
generic drugs unless the ((attending physician)) provider
specifically indicates that substitution is not permitted. For example: The ((patient)) worker cannot tolerate
substitution. Pharmacists are instructed to fill with generic
drugs unless the ((attending physician)) provider specifically
indicates substitution is not permitted.
(4) Evidence-based prescription drug program. In accordance with RCW 70.14.050, the department in cooperation with other state agencies may develop a preferred drug list. Any pharmacist filling a prescription under state purchased health care programs as defined in RCW 41.05.011(2) shall substitute, where identified, a preferred drug for any nonpreferred drug in a given therapeutic class, unless the endorsing practitioner has indicated on the prescription that the nonpreferred drug must be dispensed as written, or the prescription is for a refill of an antipsychotic, antidepressant, chemotherapy, antiretroviral, or immunosuppressive drug (see RCW 69.41.190), or for the refill of an immunomodulator/antiviral treatment for hepatitis C for which an established, fixed duration of therapy is prescribed for at least twenty-four weeks but no more than forty-eight weeks or the nonendorsing practitioner has received prior authorization from the department to fill the prescription as written, in which case the pharmacist shall dispense the prescribed nonpreferred drug.
(5) Prescriptions for unrelated medical conditions. The department or self-insurer may consider temporary coverage of prescriptions for conditions not related to the industrial injury when such conditions are retarding recovery. Any treatment for such conditions must have prior authorization per WAC 296-20-055. This would apply to any prescription for such conditions even when the endorsing practitioner indicates "dispense as written."
(6) Pension cases. ((Once)) When the worker is placed on
a pension, the department or self-insurer may pay, at the sole
discretion of the supervisor of industrial insurance, for only
those drugs ((and medications)) authorized for continued
medical treatment ((for)) of previously accepted conditions
((previously accepted by the department. Authorization for
continued medical and surgical treatment is at the sole
discretion of the supervisor of industrial insurance and)):
(a) Coverage must be authorized before the treatment is
rendered. ((In such pension cases, the department or
self-insurer cannot pay for scheduled drugs))
(b) Controlled substances used to treat continuing pain resulting from an industrial injury or occupational disease are not payable.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030. 07-17-167, § 296-20-03011, filed 8/22/07, effective 9/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 70.14.050. 04-08-040, § 296-20-03011, filed 3/30/04, effective 5/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030. 00-01-040, § 296-20-03011, filed 12/7/99, effective 1/20/00.]
In the formulary, drugs are listed in the following categories:
• Allowed
Drugs used routinely for treating accepted industrial
injuries and occupational ((illnesses)) diseases, including
those on the preferred drug list.
Example: ((Nonscheduled drugs and other medications))
Preferred nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the
acute phase of treatment for the industrial injury ((or
condition)).
• Prior authorization required
Drugs used routinely to treat conditions not normally accepted as work related injuries, drugs which are used to treat unrelated conditions retarding recovery from the accepted condition on the claim, and drugs for which less expensive alternatives exist.
((For)) Example: All drugs to treat hypertension require
prior authorization because hypertension is not normally an
accepted industrial condition. In addition, nonendorsing
practitioners must obtain prior authorization for a
nonpreferred drug when the category of drugs has a preferred
drug.
• Denied
Drugs not normally used for treating industrial injuries or not normally dispensed by outpatient pharmacies.
Example: Most hormones, most nutritional supplements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 70.14.050. 04-08-040, § 296-20-03012, filed 3/30/04, effective 5/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030. 00-01-040, § 296-20-03012, filed 12/7/99, effective 1/20/00.]
• Notify the ((attending physician)) provider of concerns
regarding the ((medications)) drugs such as ((drug))
interactions, adverse reactions, or prescriptions by other
providers;
• Notify the provider when opioid prescribing is not in compliance with the department of health's (DOH) pain management rules, the department of labor and industries' (L&I) rules, the agency medical directors' group's interagency guideline on opioid dosing for chronic noncancer pain or L&I's guideline for prescribing opioids to treat pain in injured workers;
• Require that the ((attending physician)) provider send
a treatment plan addressing the drug concerns;
• Request a consultation from an appropriate specialist;
• Request that the ((attending physician)) provider
consider reducing the ((prescription,)) dose or discontinuing
the drug and provide information on chemical dependency
programs, if indicated;
• Limit the payment for drugs ((on a claim)) to one
prescribing ((doctor)) provider.
(2) If the ((attending physician)) provider or worker
does not comply with these requests, ((or if the probability
of imminent harm to the worker is high,)) the department or
self-insurer may discontinue payment for the drug after
adequate prior notification has been given to the worker((,
pharmacy)) and ((physician)) the provider.
(3) ((Physician failure to reduce or terminate
prescription of controlled substances, habit forming or
addicting medications, or dependency inducing medications,
after department or self-insurer request to do so for an
injured worker may result in a transfer of the worker to
another physician of the worker's choice. (See WAC 296-20-065.))) If the probability of imminent harm to the
worker is high, as determined by the department's medical
director, associate medical director or medical consultants,
the department or self-insurer may require that the worker
transfer care to another network provider.
(4) Other corrective actions may be taken in accordance
with WAC ((296-20-015, Who may treat)) 296-20-01100, Risk of
harm.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030. 00-01-040, § 296-20-03015, filed 12/7/99, effective 1/20/00.]
(2) Catastrophic injury - A severe injury from which recovery of physical function is not expected, such as a spinal cord injury.
(3) Clinically meaningful improvement in function - Improvement in function of at least thirty percent as compared to baseline or in response to a dose change. Function can be measured using the two item graded chronic pain scale or other validated tools such as those referenced in the most current agency medical directors' group's interagency guideline on opioid dosing for chronic noncancer pain.
(4) Clinically meaningful improvement in pain - Improvement in pain intensity of at least thirty percent as compared to baseline or in response to a dose change. Pain can be measured using the two item graded chronic pain scale or other validated tools such as those referenced in the most current agency medical directors' group's interagency guideline on opioid dosing for chronic noncancer pain.
(5) Chronic noncancer pain - Continuous or intermittent pain arising from a noncancerous condition, injury or surgery and lasting longer than three months.
(6) Morphine equivalent dose - Conversion of various opioids to an equivalent morphine dose by using the most current recognized conversion tables, such as the agency medical directors' group's dose calculator.
(7) Step 1 taper - Discontinuing opioids via a gradual dose reduction of approximately ten percent of the original dose per week in a community care setting.
(8) Step 2 taper - Detoxification through a licensed chemical dependency center and/or discontinuing opioids through a structured intensive multidisciplinary program (see WAC 296-20-12055 through 296-20-12095).
[]
Any provider performing a preoperative evaluation for elective surgery in workers on chronic opioid therapy should also check the prescription monitoring program data base and document as part of a treatment plan for post-surgical pain management.
[]
[]
[]
• For catastrophic injuries (see WAC 296-20-03059); and
• For severe injuries, coverage may be extended through the subacute phase.
[]
[]
• Verify that the worker had clinically meaningful improvement in function and pain with the use of opioids in the acute phase.
• If indicated, use a validated instrument to screen the worker for comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, or post traumatic stress disorder) which may impact the response to opioid treatment.
• Verify that the worker has no contraindication to the use of opioids.
• Access the state's prescription monitoring program data base, if available, to ensure that the controlled substance history is consistent with the prescribing record and the worker's report.
• Use a validated screening instrument to verify the absence of a current substance use disorder (excluding nicotine) or a history of opioid use disorder.
• Administer a baseline urine drug test to verify the absence of cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, and nonprescribed opioids.
• Verify that the worker has no evidence of or is not at high risk for serious adverse outcomes from opioid use.
[]
• Clinically meaningful improvement in function has been established with opioid use in the acute or subacute phase. If the opioid dose is increased, clinically meaningful improvement in function must be demonstrated in response to the dose change. Effective chronic opioid therapy should result in improved work capacity and/or the ability to progress in vocational retraining; and
• Reasonable alternatives to opioids have been tried and have failed; and
• The worker and the provider have signed a pain treatment agreement; and
• A consultation with a pain management specialist must take place before the worker's dose is increased above 120mg/d morphine equivalent or consistent with exceptions in DOH's pain management rules. Additional appropriate consultations are recommended if the worker has a comorbid substance use or poorly controlled mental health disorder; and
• The worker has no contraindication to the use of opioids including, but not limited to, current substance use disorders (excluding nicotine) or history of opioid use disorder; and
• The worker has no evidence of or is not at high risk for having serious adverse outcomes from opioid use; and
• The worker has no pattern of recurrent (more than one) aberrant behavior identified by the prescription monitoring program data base, urine drug testing, or other source; and
• A time-limited treatment plan that demonstrates how chronic opioid therapy is likely to improve the worker's work capacity and/or the ability to progress in vocational retraining (e.g., work hardening, vocational services).
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• Clinically meaningful improvement in function or pain interference with function score of ≤ 4 on the two item graded chronic pain scale is maintained with stable dosing. If opioid dose is increased, clinically meaningful improvement in function must be demonstrated in response to the dose change; and
• A current signed pain treatment agreement; and
• The worker has no contraindication to the use of opioids including, but not limited to, current substance use disorders (excluding nicotine) or a history of opioid use disorder; and
• The worker has no evidence of or is not at high risk for serious adverse outcomes from opioid use; and
• A consultation with a pain management specialist must take place before the worker's dose is increased above 120mg/d morphine equivalent dose or consistent with exceptions in DOH's pain management rules. Additional appropriate consultations are recommended if the worker has a comorbid substance use or poorly controlled mental health disorder; and
• The worker has no pattern of recurrent (more than one) aberrant behavior identified by the prescription monitoring program data base, urine drug testing or other source.
Workers receiving chronic opioid therapy should be managed by a single prescribing provider. If the prescribing provider is unavailable, then refills should be addressed by the covering provider and allowed on a limited basis only. See WAC 296-20-03060, Episodic care for pain, regarding unscheduled visits to emergency departments or urgent care facilities for pain management.
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• A current signed pain treatment agreement; and
• A consultation with a pain management specialist must take place before the worker's dose is increased above 120mg/d morphine equivalent dose or consistent with exceptions in DOH's pain management rules; and
• The worker has no contraindication to the use of opioids including, but not limited to, current substance use disorders (excluding nicotine) or a history of opioid use disorder; and
• The dose is stable and the worker has no evidence of or is not at high risk for serious adverse outcomes from opioid use; and
• The worker has no pattern of recurrent (more than one) aberrant behavior identified by the prescription monitoring program data base, urine drug testing or other source.
Catastrophic injuries are exempt from the requirement of clinically meaningful improvement in function with opioid use.
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Workers receiving opioid therapy should be managed by a single prescribing provider.
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• The worker requests opioid discontinuation; or
• The attending provider, because of concern for potential adverse outcomes, requests opioid discontinuation; or
• The worker is maintained on opioids for at least three months and there is no sustained clinically meaningful improvement in function, as measured by validated instruments; or
• The worker's risk from continued treatment outweighs the benefit; or
• The worker has experienced an opioid overdose event related to aberrant behavior or substance use disorder (except nicotine) or a prescribing pattern that is not in compliance with DOH's pain management rules, L&I's rules, the agency medical directors' group's guideline or L&I's guideline for prescribing opioids to treat pain in injured workers or the worker has experienced any other severe adverse outcome; or
• There is a pattern of recurrent (more than one) aberrant behaviors (including, but not limited to, inconsistent urine drug test result, lost prescriptions, multiple requests for early refills, multiple prescribers, unauthorized dose escalation, apparent intoxication); or
• Use of opioids is not in compliance with DOH's pain management rules, L&I's rules, the agency medical directors' group's guideline or L&I's guideline for prescribing opioids to treat pain in injured workers.
Under these circumstances, the department or self-insurer may pay for an opioid wean or detoxification to facilitate discontinuation of opioids (see WAC 296-20-03080, Weaning or detoxification). However, continued chronic opioid therapy is not payable.
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• The worker has failed steps 1 and 2 taper (see WAC 296-20-03030 for the definition of step 1 and 2 taper); and
• The worker is diagnosed with opioid use disorder and this condition is identified as a barrier to recovery; and
• The provider has documented how time-limited treatment of this condition will allow significantly improved work capacity and/or the ability to progress in vocational retraining; and
• The provider has submitted a time-limited treatment plan.
Payment for addiction treatment is limited to six months per worker.
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| Report | Due/Needed by Insurer | What Information Should Be Included In the Report? | Special Notes |
| Report of Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease (form) | Immediately - Within five days of first visit. | See form | Only MD, DO, DC, ND, DPM, DDS, ARNP, PA, and OD may sign and be paid for completion of this form. |
| Self-Insurance: Provider's Initial Report (form) | If additional space is needed, please attach the information to the application. The claim number should be at the top of the page. | ||
| Sixty Day (narrative) | Every sixty days when only conservative (nonsurgical) care has been provided. | (1) The conditions diagnosed, including ICD-9-CM codes and the subjective complaints and objective findings. | Providers may submit legible comprehensive chart notes in lieu of sixty day reports PROVIDED the chart notes include all the information required as noted in the "What Information Should Be Included?" column. |
| Purpose: Support and document the need for continued care when conservative (nonsurgical) treatment is to continue beyond sixty days | |||
| (2) The relationship of diagnoses, if any, to the industrial injury or exposure. | However, office notes are not acceptable in lieu of requested narrative reports and providers may not bill for the report if chart notes are submitted in place of the report. | ||
| (3) Outline of proposed treatment program, its length, components and expected prognosis including an estimate of when treatment should be concluded and condition(s) stable. An estimated return to work date and the probability, if any, of permanent partial disability resulting from the industrial condition. | (( |
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| (4) Current medications, including dosage and amount prescribed. With repeated prescriptions, include the plan and need for continuing medication. | Providers must include their name, address and date on all chart notes submitted. | ||
| (5) If the worker has not returned to work, indicate whether a vocational assessment will be necessary to evaluate the worker's ability to return to work and why. | |||
| (6) If the worker has not returned to work, a doctor's estimate of physical capacities should be included. | |||
| (7) Response to any specific questions asked by the insurer or vocational counselor. | |||
| Opioid Authorization Requirement | Opioids in subacute phase - Six weeks from the date of injury or surgery. | Please see WAC 296-20-03056 through 296-20-03059 for documentation requirements for those workers receiving opioids. | |
| Opioids in chronic phase - Twelve weeks from the date of injury or surgery. | |||
| Opioids for ongoing chronic therapy - Every ninety days. | |||
| Special Reports/Follow-up Reports (narrative) | As soon as possible following request by the department/insurer. | Response to any specific questions asked by the insurer or vocational counselor. | "Special reports" are payable only when requested by the insurer. |
| Consultation Examination Reports (narrative) | At one hundred twenty days if only conservative (nonsurgical) care has been provided. | (1) Detailed history. | If the injured/ill worker had been seen by the consulting doctor within the past three years for the same condition, the consultation will be considered a follow-up office visit, not consultation. |
| Purpose: Obtain an objective evaluation of the need for ongoing conservative medical management of the worker. | (2) Comparative history between the history provided by the attending or treating provider and injured worker. | ||
| (3) Detailed physical examination. | |||
| The attending or treating provider may choose the consultant. | (4) Condition(s) diagnosed including ICD-9-CM codes, subjective complaints and objective findings. | A copy of the consultation report must be submitted to both the attending or treating provider and the department/insurer. | |
| (5) Outline of proposed treatment program: Its length, components, expected prognosis including when treatment should be concluded and condition(s) stable. | |||
| (6) Expected degree of recovery from the industrial condition. | |||
| (7) Probability of returning to regular work or modified work and an estimated return to work date. | |||
| (8) Probability, if any, of permanent partial disability resulting from the industrial condition. | |||
| (9) A doctor's estimate of physical capacities should be included if the worker has not returned to work. | |||
| (10) Reports of necessary, reasonable X ray and laboratory studies to establish or confirm diagnosis when indicated. | |||
| Attending Provider Review of IME Report (form) | As soon as possible following request by the department/insurer. | Agreement or disagreement with IME findings. If you disagree, provide objective/subjective findings to support your opinion. | Payable only to the attending provider upon request of the department/insurer. PAs can concur with treatment recommendations but not PPD ratings. |
| Purpose: Obtain the attending provider's opinion about the accuracy of the diagnoses and information provided based on the IME. | |||
| Loss of Earning Power (form) | As soon as possible after receipt of the form. | See form | Payable only to the attending or treating provider. |
| Purpose: Certify the loss of earning power is due to the industrial injury/occupational disease. | |||
| Application to Reopen Claim Due to Worsening of Condition (form) | Immediately following identification of worsening after a claim has been closed for sixty days. | See form | Only MD, DO, DC, ND, DPM, DDS, ARNP, PA, and OD may sign and be paid for completion of this form. |
| Purpose: Document worsening of the accepted condition and need to reopen claim for additional treatment. | Crime Victims: Following identification of worsening after a claim has been closed for ninety days. |
Legible copies of office or progress notes are required for the initial and all follow-up visits.
What documentation are ancillary providers required to submit to the insurer?
Ancillary providers are required to submit the following documentation to the department or self-insurer:
| Provider | Chart Notes | Reports |
| Audiology | X | X |
| Biofeedback | X | X |
| Dietician | X | |
| Drug Alcohol Treatment | X | X |
| Free Standing Surgery | X | X |
| Free Standing Emergency Room | X | X |
| Head Injury Program | X | X |
| Home Health Care | X | |
| Infusion Treatment, Professional Services | X | |
| Hospitals | X | X |
| Laboratories | X | |
| Licensed Massage Therapy | X | X |
| Medical Transportation | X | |
| Nurse Case Managers | X | |
| Nursing Home | X | X |
| Occupational Therapist | X | X |
| Optometrist | X | X |
| Pain Clinics | X | X |
| Panel Examinations | X | |
| Physical Therapist | X | X |
| Prosthetist/Orthotist | X | X |
| Radiology | X | |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | X | X |
| Speech Therapist | X | X |
[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 263, RCW 51.04.020 and 51.04.030. 08-04-095, § 296-20-06101, filed 2/5/08, effective 2/22/08. Statutory Authority: 2004 c 65 and 2004 c 163. 04-22-085, § 296-20-06101, filed 11/2/04, effective 12/15/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030 and 51.36.060. 00-01-190, § 296-20-06101, filed 12/22/99, effective 1/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030 and 1993 c 159. 93-16-072, § 296-20-06101, filed 8/1/93, effective 9/1/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 86-06-032 (Order 86-19), § 296-20-06101, filed 2/28/86, effective 4/1/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4), 51.04.030, and 51.16.120(3). 81-24-041 (Order 81-28), § 296-20-06101, filed 11/30/81, effective 1/1/82; 81-01-100 (Order 80-29), § 296-20-06101, filed 12/23/80, effective 3/1/81; Order 74-39, § 296-20-06101, filed 11/22/74, effective 1/1/75.]
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 296-20-03016 | Is detoxification and/or chemical dependency treatment covered? |
| WAC 296-20-03019 | Under what conditions will the department or self-insurer pay for oral opioid treatment for chronic, noncancer pain? |
| WAC 296-20-03020 | What are the authorization requirements for treatment of chronic, noncancer pain with opioids? |
| WAC 296-20-03021 | What documentation is required to be submitted for continued coverage of opioids to treat chronic, noncancer pain? |
| WAC 296-20-03022 | How long will the department or self-insurer continue to pay for opioids to treat chronic, noncancer pain? |
| WAC 296-20-03023 | When may the department or self-insurer deny payment of opioid medications used to treat chronic, noncancer pain? |
| WAC 296-20-03024 | Will the department or self-insurer pay for nonopioid medications for the treatment of chronic, noncancer pain? |