Closure of the Seattle Pain Centers

Please see the attached alert from the Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Medical Commission, and Washington State Health Care Authority with updated guidance for management of patients related to closure of the Seattle Pain Centers.

On July 15, 2016 the Washington State Medical Commission suspended the license of Dr. Frank Li, former medical director of the Seattle Pain Centers (SPC). Seven of the eight SPC across the state are now closed. This impacts about 8,000 patients—many of whom are on long-term, high-dose opioid treatment and will need medical care for their pain management needs. Displaced patients may call or visit your clinic or emergency department, and we're urging you to help address their medical needs. Health practitioners who treat displaced patients should not fear disciplinary action from the state's Medical Commission for ordering, prescribing, dispensing or administering controlled substances, including opioids, for legitimate medical purposes and in the course of professional practice. See the attached guidance for details.

Jeffrey S. Duchin, MD
Health Officer and Chief, Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section
Public Health - Seattle and King County
Professor in Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington
Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health
401 5th Ave, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98104
Tel: (206) 296-4774; Direct: (206) 263-8171; Fax: (206) 296-4803
E-mail: jeff.duchin@kingcounty.gov