(1) The physician assistant shall periodically review the course of treatment for chronic pain. The frequency of visits, biological testing, and PMP queries in accordance with the provisions of WAC
246-918-935, must be determined based 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 aberrant behavior; and
(e) More frequently at the physician assistant's discretion.
(2) During the periodic review, the physician assistant shall determine:
(a) The patient's compliance with any medication treatment plan;
(b) If pain, function, and quality of life have improved, diminished, or are maintained; and
(c) If continuation or modification of medications for pain management treatment is necessary based on the physician assistant's evaluation of progress towards or maintenance of treatment objectives and compliance with the treatment plan.
(3) Periodic patient evaluations must also include:
(a) History and physical examination related to the pain;
(b) Use of validated tools or patient report from reliable patients to document either maintenance or change in function and pain control; and
(c) Review of the Washington state PMP at a frequency determined by the patient's risk category in accordance with the provisions of WAC
246-918-935 and subsection (1) of this section.
(4) If the patient violates the terms of the agreement, the violation and the physician assistant's response to the violation will be documented, as well as the rationale for changes in the treatment plan.