(1) The osteopathic physician assistant shall periodically review the course of treatment for chronic pain. The osteopathic physician assistant shall base the frequency of visits, biological testing, and PMP queries, in accordance with the provisions of WAC 246-854-370 on the patient's risk category:

(a) For a high-risk patient, at least quarterly;

(b) For a moderate-risk patient, at least semiannually;

(c) For a low-risk patient, at least annually;

(d) Immediately upon indication of concerning or aberrant behavior; and

(e) More frequently at the osteopathic physician assistant's discretion.

(2) During the periodic review, the osteopathic physician assistant shall determine:

(a) The patient's compliance with any medication treatment plan;

(b) If pain, function, or quality of life have improved, diminished, or are maintained using objective evidence; and

(c) If continuation or modification of medications for pain management treatment is necessary based on the osteopathic physician assistant's evaluation of progress towards treatment objectives.

(3) Periodic patient evaluations must also include:

(a) History and physical exam related to the pain;

(b) Use of validated tools to document either maintenance of function and pain control or improvement in function and pain level; and

(c) Review the PMP to identify any Schedule II–V medications or drugs of concern received by the patient at a frequency determined by the patient's risk category, and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of WAC 246-854-370 and subsection (1) of this section.

(4) The osteopathic physician assistant shall assess the appropriateness of continued use of the current treatment plan if the patient's progress or compliance with the current treatment plan is unsatisfactory. The osteopathic physician assistant shall consider tapering, changing, or discontinuing treatment in accordance with the provisions of WAC 246-854-335.