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
Continuing Education Rules
The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (board) officially filed a CR-101 with the Office of the Code Reviser on November 7, 2025 as WSR# 25-23-017. The board is considering amendments to update the continuing education requirements for osteopathic physicians, WAC 246-853-080.
The board recently received an inquiry regarding whether “maintenance of certification” would satisfy the certification requirements listed in WAC 246-853-080(2)(a) as a pathway to meet CE requirements for licensure renewal for osteopathic physicians. The current rule language states that certification or recertification with the American Board of Medical Specialties or American Board of Osteopathic Medical Specialties within the past 6 years may meet the CE requirements, but does not explicitly include participation in a maintenance of certification program. The board determined that maintenance of certification meets the requirements and rulemaking is required to clarify this in rule.
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.