Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Continuing education (CE) certification requirements for osteopathic physicians. The board of osteopathic medicine and surgery (board) is proposing an amendment to WAC 246-853-080 to update the osteopathic physician CE requirements. The board is proposing to include an additional pathway allowing licensed osteopathic physicians to meet CE requirements by participating in a maintenance of certification program.

Hearing Location(s): On June 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the Department of Health, TC2, Room 164, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501; or virtual via Zoom webinar. Register in advance for this webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yYqevLp8Sj66IIZi7-NCQQ, Webinar ID 820 0235 8662. You may register in advance for the virtual portion of the hearing. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Submit Written Comments to: Becky Cornwall, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email osteopathic@doh.wa.gov, web https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, beginning the date and time of this filing, by May 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The board received an inquiry regarding whether "maintenance of certification" would satisfy the certification requirements listed in WAC 246-853-080 (2)(a) as a pathway to meet CE requirements for licensure renewal for osteopathic physicians. The current rule language states that certification or recertification with the American Board of Medical Specialties or American Board of Osteopathic Medical Specialties within the past six years may meet the CE requirements, but does not include participation in a maintenance of certification program.

A maintenance of certification program is an ongoing assessment process offered by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Board of Osteopathic Medical Specialties as an alternative to the traditional recertification process, which typically requires an exam at regular intervals. Both recertification processes require maintenance of an active license and completion of CE.

The board discussed adding the maintenance of certification program as an additional pathway to meeting CE requirements and determined that it provides an equivalent method to the traditional recertification process and therefore should qualify. The board is proposing to add it to the list of pathways that may satisfy the CE requirements.

The CE rule for the Washington medical commission (WMC) specifies that CE requirements may be satisfied by maintenance of certification. The board works to remain consistent with WMC, as osteopathic physicians and allopathic physicians regularly provide care in the same settings. Maintaining consistency with WMC makes rules easier to apply standards in the complex health care regulatory environment and for licensees to follow.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 18.57.005 establishes the duties and powers of the board granted by the legislature to regulate osteopathic physicians licensed in Washington state. This includes establishing requirements in rule for continuing education for licensure renewal.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Becky Cornwall, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-4766; Implementation and Enforcement: James Chaney, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-2831.

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Becky Cornwall, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4766, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email osteopathic@doh.wa.gov.

Explanation of exemption(s): Although many licensees may practice within small businesses, the proposed rules regulate only individual professional licensing standards and do not impose requirements on business operations, staffing, equipment, or reporting.

(1) Licensed osteopathic physicians and surgeons must complete 150 hours of creditable continuing medical education (CME) every three years in accordance with chapter 246-12 WAC.

(2) To satisfy the CME requirements in subsection (1) of this section, a licensed osteopathic physician and surgeon may:

(a) Certify or recertify with the American Board of Osteopathic Medical Specialties (ABOMS) or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) within the last six years;

(b) Meet the requirements for participation in maintenance of certification of a member board of the ABOMS or ABMS at the time of renewal;

(((c)))(d) Hold a current American Medical Association (AMA) physician's recognition award (PRA).

(3) In addition to subsection (2) of this section, the licensed osteopathic physician and surgeon must complete any Washington state-specific mandated continuing education requirements.