WSR 98-22-084

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Podiatric Medical Board)

[Filed November 3, 1998, 12:54 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Considering the adoption of the pain management guidelines into rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.22.015.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Patients have raised concern about access to appropriate medical treatment, including opioid therapy, for addressing chronic intractable pain. Similarly, providers express apprehensions about challenges by state disciplinary authorities when prescribing opioid analgesics for indicated medical treatment when serving the legitimate medical needs of pain patients.

Process for Developing New Rule: Solicit input from professional association, licensees, public. Provide information to individuals on the mailing list.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Arlene Robertson, Program Manager, Podiatric Medical Board, P.O. Box 47870, Olympia, WA 98504-7870, phone (360) 236-4945, fax (360) 586-0745. The public and licensees may submit written comments or attend regular board meetings that this issue is on the agenda for discussion.

October 13, 1998

Robert J. Nicoloff

Executive Director