WSR 10-13-100

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


(Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)

[ Filed June 17, 2010, 9:54 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-840-XXX Pain management, the nursing care quality assurance commission is adding a new section(s) for management of chronic noncancer pain.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: ESHB 2876, section 7, chapter 209, Laws of 2010, amending chapter 18.79 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESHB 2876 (chapter 209, Laws of 2010) directs the nursing care quality assurance commission to adopt rules on chronic, noncancer pain management. The rules must include dosing criteria, guidance on when to seek consultations with pain management specialists, tracking clinical progress and tracking the use of opioids. Pain management is the practice of medically treating people who suffer from pain, including the management of long-term pain. This management often includes the use of opioids. Because of the health risks associated with opioid use, there are several state rules and guidelines for prescribing these drugs.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of labor and industries.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making. Public meetings and drafts will be displayed on the nursing commission web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Nursing/RulesInProgress.htm or interested parties can also use the nursing commission's listserv at www.qac-nursing@listserv.wa.gov or www.listserv.wa.gov.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Terry J. West, Deputy Executive Director, Department of Health, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, (360) 236-4712, terry.west@doh.wa.gov, web site http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Nursing/RulesInProgress.htm. Stakeholders will be notified and invited to participate in open public workshops and may submit comments for consideration. Stakeholders will be notified through profession and pain management listserv mailings, commission meetings, pain management workshops and meetings, and postings to web sites.

June 17, 2010

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN

Executive Director

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