Washington

Washington credentials one type of addiction counselor. A Substance Use Disorder Professional requires, at minimum, an associate degree and accrual of 2,500 hours of supervised experience. A higher-level degree can substitute the number of hours (i.e. a person with a bachelor’s degree needs 2,000 hours). Wash. Rev. Code §18.205.030 and Wash. Admin. Code §246-811 and Washington State Department of Health

Mental health counselors may apply the principles of human development, learning theory, psychotherapy, group dynamics, and etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations for the purpose of treatment of mental disorders and promoting optimal mental health and functionality. Mental health counseling also includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, as well as the application of a wellness model of mental health. Wash. Rev. Code §18.225.010

As of August 2018, 174 NPs in Washington have received a federal waiver to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine-containing products. Consistent with their prescriptive authority and with proper training or experience an NP may obtain a federal waiver to dispense buprenorphine-containing products. Wash. Rev. Code §18.79.050

As of August 2018, 75 PAs in Washington have received a federal waiver to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine-containing products. A PA in Washington may prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances consistent with the PA’s scope of practice and as delegated by a supervising physician. With proper training or appropriate experience a PA in Washington can receive a federal waiver to dispense buprenorphine-containing products, as long as the supervising physician is certified, trained, or permitted to treat and manage patients with opioid use disorder. Wash. Admin. Code §246-918-035

The certification standards and procedures for peer counselors are developed and administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. The standards include requirements for peer specialist qualifications, core competencies, training and examination, renewal, revocation and supervision.

Full independent practice and prescriptive authority and the NM must practice with their scope of practice.

The ARNP is prepared and qualified to assume primary responsibility and accountability for the care of patients within their roles of ARNP licensure. Wash. Admin. Code §246-840-300

A NM may prescribe prescription drugs and Schedules II-V controlled substances. Wash. Rev. Code §18.79.050

Full independent practice and prescriptive authority and the NP must practice with their scope of practice.

The ARNP is prepared and qualified to assume primary responsibility and accountability for the care of patients within their roles of ARNP licensure. Wash. Admin. Code §246-840-300

An NP may prescribe prescription drugs and Schedules II-V controlled substances. Wash. Rev. Code §18.79.050

NPs are authorized to sign portable orders for life-sustaining treatment forms as a qualified emergency services personnel. Rev. Code Wa. Ann. §43.70.480

NPs are recognized in state policy as primary care providers. Primary care provider means a general practice physician, family practitioner, internist, pediatrician, osteopath, naturopath, physician assistant, osteopathic physician assistant and advanced registered nurse practitioner. Wash. Rev. Code §74.09.010(18)

Optometrists may examine, diagnose and treat abnormalities of the eye, including foreign body removal. Wash. Rev. Code §18.53.010

Optometrists may administer epinephrine by injection for the treatment of anaphylactic shock. Wash. Rev. Code §18.53.010

Optometrists may prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and Schedule II controlled substances containing hydrocodone combinations. Wash. Rev. Code §18.53.010

Dental hygienists who work for a health care facility or senior center can provide their services without the supervision of a dentist if they meet certain experience requirements, enter into a written agreement with a licensed dentist who will provide off-site supervision, and they refer the treated patients to a dentist for dental planning and treatment. Wash. Rev. Code §18.29.056

Dental health aide therapists may provide preventive services in practice settings on tribal reservations and operated by an Indian health program. A dental health aide therapist must practice under the supervision of a dentist. Wash. Rev. Code §70.350

Teledentistry may be delivered though through live video and store-and-forward modalities. WA State Health Care Authority, Medicaid Provider, Dental-Related Services, pg. 83

Washington has not enacted legislation allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the federal PREP Act does allow pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine through the duration of the public health emergency.

Washington does not allow pharmacists to modify prescriptions.

Washington does not allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.

Washington does not allow pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation aids.

A delegation agreement is required and must be mutually agreed upon by the supervising physician and the PA. The agreement must describe the manner and extent to which the PA will practice and be supervised. Wash. Admin. Code §246-918-005(3)

A PA may prescribe legend drugs and Schedules II-V controlled substances consistent with the scope of practice in an approved delegation agreement. Wash. Admin. Code §246-918-035

PA’s may provide services within their competency and are based on their education, training and experience consistent with a delegation agreement. The supervising physician and the PA determine which procedures may be performed. Law outlines limitations on certain health care services. Wash. Rev. Code §18.71A.30 and Wash. Rev. Code §18.71A.060