State rules
What Washington rules mean for your visit
Begin with where you are, who is treating you, and what they are allowed to do.
Where your visit happens and who may treat you
As of September 30, 2026, an online visit counts as happening where you are under Washington law.
The person treating you needs permission here
As of September 30, 2026, a doctor or other health worker from another state needs Washington permission to treat a patient here.
The law allows limited exceptions for someone licensed and in good standing in another state.
They may advise the person already treating you in Washington, who stays responsible for your diagnosis and treatment.
They may give a specialist opinion, such as recommending treatment, without providing the treatment themselves.
For a temporary visit to Washington, follow-up may come from your regular care professional, a mental health professional or a recognized specialist.
That person must have already treated you in the state where they work and hold a license.
Ask which Washington license or specific exception covers your visit. A new online customer is not an existing patient simply because they filled in a form.
Professional roles and prescribing permission
A nurse practitioner is a nurse with a license to assess and manage health conditions.
As of September 30, 2026, they can work in Washington without a doctor overseeing them.
To prescribe, they also need approval from the state nursing board.
The nursing license alone does not show that permission.
An assistant’s role is set in writing
Physician assistants hold a license to work as medical professionals.
As of September 30, 2026, Washington requires a written agreement naming a doctor before that person starts work.
The agreement sets what the assistant may do.
Ask how this role fits your care.
A prescription is more than a checkout step
Under Washington law as of September 30, 2026, supplying prescription medicine generally requires a prescription that is valid.