The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
Current rules in progress
Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Examination
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (board) officially filed a CR-101 with the Office of the Code Reviser on December 18, 2023 as WSR# 24-01-084 (PDF). The board is considering amendments to update the examination requirements for licensure of osteopathic physicians, WAC 246-853-020.
Second Substitute House Bill 1724 (2SHB 1724, Chapter 425, Laws of 2023) (PDF) requires regulatory authorities to review licensure standards for health professionals in other states to determine substantial equivalency to Washington licensure standards in order to streamline and expedite credentialing processes. In response to this requirement, and to reduce potentially unnecessary licensure barriers, the board is considering amendments to the osteopathic physician examination requirements.
Opioid Prescribing Rules
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (board) officially filed a CR-101 with the Office of the Code Reviser on February 1, 2024 as WSR# 24-04-066 (PDF). The board is considering amendments to update the opioid prescribing requirements for osteopathic physicians and align with recent rule amendments by the Washington Medical Commission (WMC).
The board is considering rulemaking to possibly revise the following WACs:
Rule amendments may be needed to allow patients with Sickle Cell Disease receive the care they need in an efficient manner, provide osteopathic physicians and surgeons more clarity on when and how to taper patients to whom they prescribe opioids for chronic pain, and will provide rules that address how to work with patients that have an aberrant biological specimen test.