Rules in Progress
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
Exclusions Rules
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery filed a CR-102 on April 18, 2023, as WSR # is 23-09-063 (PDF). The board is proposing amendments to expand the types of patients who are exempt from opioid prescribing rules. The board will consider the Washington Medical Commission's recently adopted rules to ensure consistency and alignment with best practices.
Osteopathic Physicians’ Assistants Rules
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery filed a CR-105 as WSR #23-09-064 (PDF) to remove references to osteopathic physicians' assistants. The Washington Medical Commission has regulatory authority for all physicians' assistants as of July 2022.
The board and the Department of Health are proposing amendments to several rule sections to remove references to osteopathic physicians' assistants in response to the repeal of chapter 246-854 WAC and chapter 246-855 WAC as required by Substitute House Bill (SHB) 2378 Physician Assistants-Various Provisions (chapter 80, Laws of 2020).
Health Equity Rules
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (board) filed a CR-101 on May 2, 2023 as WSR# 23-10-069 (PDF). The board is considering adopting a new section in chapter 246-853 WAC to meet the requirements of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5229 (chapter 276, Laws of 2021 (PDF)) regarding health equity continuing education (CE) as they pertain to osteopathic physicians and surgeons.
The Department of Health created model rules, WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830, to comply with the bill codified in RCW 43.70.613. The board will consider these model rules as part of this rule making.