Section 246-840-475. Written agreement for treatment.

Chronic noncancer pain patients should receive all chronic pain management prescriptions from one advanced registered nurse practitioner and one pharmacy whenever possible. If the patient is at high risk for medication abuse, or has a history of substance abuse, or psychiatric comorbidities, the prescribing advanced registered nurse practitioner shall use a written agreement for treatment with the patient outlining patient responsibilities. This written agreement for treatment shall include:

(1) The patient's agreement to provide biological samples for urine/serum medical level screening when requested by the advanced registered nurse practitioner;

(2) The patient's agreement to take medications at the dose and frequency prescribed with a specific protocol for lost prescriptions and early refills;

(3) Reasons for which drug therapy may be discontinued (e.g., violation of agreement);

(4) The requirement that all chronic pain management prescriptions are provided by a single prescriber or multidisciplinary pain clinic and dispensed by a single pharmacy or pharmacy system;

(5) The patient's agreement to not abuse alcohol or use other medically unauthorized substances;

(6) A written authorization for:

(a) The advanced registered nurse practitioner to release the agreement for treatment to local emergency departments, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies; and

(b) Other practitioners to report violations of the agreement back to the advanced registered nurse practitioner;

(7) A written authorization that the advanced registered nurse practitioner may notify the proper authorities if he or she has reason to believe the patient has engaged in illegal activity;

(8) Acknowledgment that a violation of the agreement may result in a tapering or discontinuation of the prescription;

(9) Acknowledgment that it is the patient's responsibility to safeguard all medications and keep them in a secure location; and

(10) Acknowledgment that if the patient violates the terms of the agreement, the violation and the advanced registered nurse practitioner's response to the violation will be documented, as well as the rationale for changes in the treatment plan.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.400. WSR 11-10-064, § 246-840-475, filed 5/2/11, effective 7/1/11.]

RCW 18.79.400. WSR 11-10-064, § 246-840-475, filed 5/2/11, effective 7/1/11.