Washington § 69.50.317 - Opioid drugs — Communication with patient.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 69.50.317 — Opioid drugs — Communication with patient., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 69.50.317. Opioid drugs — Communication with patient.

(1) Any practitioner who writes the first prescription for an opioid during the course of treatment to any patient must, under professional rules, discuss the following with the patient:

(a) The risks of opioids, including risk of dependence and overdose;

(b) Pain management alternatives to opioids, including nonopioid pharmacological treatments, and nonpharmacological treatments available to the patient, at the discretion of the practitioner and based on the medical condition of the patient; and

(2) If the patient is under eighteen years old or does not have the capacity to make a health care decision, the discussion required by subsection (1) of this section must include the patient's parent, guardian, or the person identified in RCW 7.70.065, unless otherwise provided by law.

(3) The practitioner shall document completion of the requirements in subsection (1) of this section in the patient's health care record.

(4) To fulfill the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a practitioner may designate any individual who holds a credential issued by a disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.040 to conduct the discussion.

(5) Violation of this section constitutes unprofessional conduct under chapter 18.130 RCW.

(6) This section does not apply to:

(a) Opioid prescriptions issued for the treatment of pain associated with terminal cancer or other terminal diseases, or for palliative, hospice, or other end-of-life care of where the practitioner determines the health, well-being, or care of the patient would be compromised by the requirements of this section and documents such basis for the determination in the patient's health care record; or

(b) Administration of an opioid in an inpatient or outpatient treatment setting.

(7) This section does not apply to practitioners licensed under chapter 18.92 RCW.

(8) The department shall review this section by March 31, 2026, and report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on whether this section should be retained, repealed, or amended.

[ 2021 c 270 s 4; 2019 c 314 s 17.]

Notes

Effective date—2021 c 270: See note following RCW 7.70.065.

Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 69.50.317

What does Revised Code of Washington § 69.50.317 cover?

Section 69.50.317 ("Opioid drugs — Communication with patient.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 69.50.317?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 69.50.317" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 69.50.317 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 69.50.317 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.