Program Overview

The Better Prescribing, Better Treatment program is a peer-to-peer, clinician-driven quality-improvement program that promotes safe, appropriate prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances to curb misuse and overdose, along with encouraging prescribing treatment of opioid addiction. The program was developed in partnership with the Washington State Hospital Association and the state Health Care Authority in lieu of proposals seeking to implement mandatory prior authorization for all opioid prescriptions. At the same time, the Legislature was considering a blunt statutory seven-day pill limit on opioid prescribing that would have been problematic for appropriate patient care and potentially result in disciplinary action for well-meaning clinicians.

BPBT was launched to focus on quality improvement rather than punitive regulatory oversight. This effort has protected the medical profession from further problematic legislative and/or regulatory interference, while significantly improving opioid prescribing behaviors and resulting patient care and outcomes.

BPBT is a component of the state opioid response plan, and is a collaboration between the WSMA, Washington State Hospital Association, Washington State Department of Health, and the Washington State Health Care Authority.

The program now includes representatives from:

• ARNP United of Washington State
• Washington State Dental Association
• Washington Academy of Physician Assistants

The BPBT program promotes safe prescribing in two ways:

• Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Reports: Each quarter, the WSMA sends prescribers in the state an opioid prescribing feedback report. Using data from the state prescription monitoring program, the report shows how their opioid prescribing practices compare to others in their hospital, health system, or medical group, as well as within their specialty. It has now expanded to include acute benzodiazepine/sedative prescribing reports and acute buprenorphine prescribing reports.
• 1:1 Coaching Program: The WSMA offers 1:1 coaching services with Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, on improving systems in primary care clinics to deliver more evidence-based pain care and opioid management. If you are interested in individual coaching or a resource for your clinic, the WSMA can assist with resources and physician speakers for your team. Please Contact Monica Salgaonkar at 206.956.3641 or monica@wsma.org for more information.

Contact Us

Contact the physician lead, Nathan Schlicher, MD, JD, at nathan_schlicher@teamhealth.com for clinical guidance on Better Prescribing, Better Treatment Reports. For other questions or concerns, contact Monica Salgaonkar at 206.956.3641 or monica@wsma.org.