(1) When a patient receiving chronic opioid pain medication(s) changes to a new advanced registered nurse practitioner, the advanced registered nurse practitioner shall query the prescription monitoring program (PMP). It is normally appropriate for the new advanced registered nurse practitioner to initially maintain the patient's current opioid doses. Over time, the advanced registered nurse practitioner may evaluate if any tapering or other adjustments in the treatment plan can or should be done.

(2) An advanced registered nurse practitioner's treatment of a new high dose chronic pain patient is exempt from the mandatory consultation requirements of WAC 246-840-485 and the tapering requirements of WAC 246-840-4935 if:

(a) The patient was previously being treated with a dosage of opioids in excess of one hundred twenty milligram MED for chronic pain under an established written agreement for treatment of the same chronic condition or conditions;

(b) The patient's dose is stable and nonescalating;

(c) The patient has a demonstrated history in their record of compliance with treatment plans and written agreements as documented by medical records and PMP queries; and

(d) The patient has documented functional stability, pain control, or improvements in function or pain control, at the dose in excess to one hundred twenty milligram MED.

(3) With respect to the treatment of a new patient under subsection (1) or (2) of this section, this exemption applies for the first three months of newly established care, after which the requirements of WAC 246-840-485 and 246-840-4935 shall apply.