(1) In order to prescribe an opioid in Washington state, an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe opioids shall complete a one-time continuing education requirement regarding best practices in the prescribing of opioids. Additionally, a chronic pain management specialist must meet the continuing education requirements in WAC 246-840-493. The continuing education must be at least four hours in length.

(2) The advanced registered nurse practitioner shall complete the one-time continuing education requirement described in subsection (1) of this section by the end of the advanced registered nurse practitioner's first full continuing education reporting period after January 1, 2019, or during the first full continuing education reporting period after initial licensure, whichever is later. The four hour course may count toward any NCQAC required continuing education.