WSR 97-11-038

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Pharmacy)

[Filed May 15, 1997, 4:19 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-865 WAC, Pharmaceutical services--Extended care facilities, this rule establishes standards for pharmaceutical services in extended care facilities (nursing homes).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The existing rules do not reflect current practice in extended care facilities. Extended care facilities have experienced a dramatic increase in the acuity level of the patients they care for. Updating the rules are needed to protect public health, especially the vulnerable patients in these facilities.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Department of Social and Health Services, Division on Aging and Adult Services, also sets standards for nursing homes. The Department of Social and Health Services has reviewed existing rules and provided comments. The department will continue to work with the Department of Social and Health Services.

Process for Developing New Rule: Public meetings, mailings.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lisa Salmi, Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 47863, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 753-6834, FAX (360) 586-4359.

April 29, 1997

D. H. Williams