Residential Care Services (RCS) filed an emergency rule (WSR 20-10-034) effective April 29, 2020, related to WAC 388-97-1260 and physician services. The rule was amended in response to the significant threat of COVID-19.

RCS filed a CR-103E (WSR 21-24-038), effective December 8, 2021, to extend the amended rule for a fifth time. The rule expires on March 23, 2022.

WAC 388-97-1260 was amended to permit the physician to delegate tasks to a registered nurse practitioner or a physician assistant, even if it is required to be performed by the physician in regulation and regardless of the frequency of the delegation. The amendment does not change the required frequency of physician/delegate visits, or the requirement for the physician to supervise the delegate. The delegate must only perform tasks within the scope of practice of their credential.

Read full letter here.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804