Eastern WA Pain Clinic Closure
Lynx Healthcare, a pain management clinic with locations in Spokane Valley and Kennewick, is set to close on Friday, September 8, 2023.
Impact
- The closure will affect about 2,000 patients.
- Most of patients are receiving treatment for chronic pain management.
- A smaller subset of patients are receiving addiction medicine treatment for opioid use disorder.
What we are doing
Patient safety is our first priority.
The Health Care Authority (HCA), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) are working with health plans, managed care organizations, associations, and community organizations to ensure patients don't experience disruption in care to the greatest extent possible.
We encourage patients to contact their primary care provider or health plan to explore alternative options.
ARNPs treating displaced patients have protections under Board Prescribing Rules
Health practitioners who treat displaced patients shouldn't fear disciplinary action from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) for:
- ordering
- prescribing
- dispensing
- administering
controlled substances, including opioids, for legitimate medical purposes and in the course of professional practice.
Practitioners have protections under Prescribing Rules which supports ARNPs in providing care for individuals with chronic pain.