Update on DME ordering, NO physician signature required for Respiratory, Nutritional or Respiratory Supplies

The Health Care Authority takes the position that supplies and equipment necessary for or ancillary to the administration of pharmaceuticals or monitoring their effectiveness including glucose monitors, glucose test strips, lancets, insulin pens, needles, syringes, inhalation masks, nebulizers and spacers may be ordered by non-physician practitioners (i.e. ARNPs, PA’s) within their scope of practice without a physician signature/co-signature.

Home infusion, parenteral nutrition and breast pumps are considered pharmaceuticals and would fall under this category so they do not require a physician’s signature.

All respiratory supplies and equipment necessary for or ancillary to the administration or monitoring of medications, including oxygen, such as inhalation masks, nebulizers, CPAP, vents  and spacers may be ordered by non-physician practitioners (i.e. ARNPs, PA’s) within their scope of practice without a physician signature/co-signature.

That home infusion and parenteral nutrition are considered pharmaceuticals.

A communication went out to all providers including the supply companies. If you have a specific company that you are having difficulties with, please let me know and I would be happy to reach out to them.

Tonja Nichols, tonja.nichols@hca.wa.gov