HB 2168 - DIGEST

     Directs the secretary of health to coordinate and assist the regulatory boards and commissions of the health professions with prescriptive authority in the development of uniform guidelines for the management of acute, chronic, and intractable pain with controlled substances.  These regulatory boards and commissions shall recognize and provide for the implementation of the pain guidelines by rule.  These guidelines may be revised as necessary in response to changes in medical science and technology.

     Declares that, under generally accepted standards of medical practice, opioids may be prescribed for the treatment of acute, chronic, or intractable pain, including pain associated with cancer and noncancer pain conditions when there is an indicated medical need.

     Provides that the regulatory boards and commissions of the health professions with prescriptive authority may not pursue a disciplinary action against a licensed health professional under the uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, upon a determination that the health professional followed accepted standards of care for the treatment of pain with controlled substances, and provided treatment within the parameters of the pain guidelines adopted under this act.

     Declares that no health professional following accepted standards of care for the treatment of pain with controlled substances, and providing treatment within the parameters of the pain guidelines, may be subject to criminal liability.

     Directs the department of labor and industries to develop and implement guidelines for the treatment of acute, chronic, and intractable pain for injured workers for the purposes of the industrial insurance laws.