WSR 14-22-048
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission)
[Filed October 30, 2014, 7:16 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-869 WAC, WAC 246-858-040, 246-863-060, 246-901-100, 246-901-120, and 246-901-130. The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) is considering updating existing and establishing new rules to set standards for pharmacy business practices related to licensing, physical standards, equipment, security, inspections, operations, workload, staff utilization, advertisement or solicitation, and accountability to protect public health and safety.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 18.64 and 18.64A RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The commission will evaluate the need to adopt rules to establish clear standards for pharmacy business practices. Pharmacy practice has transitioned over the years where the operational management of a pharmacy is not entirely under the control or oversight of a pharmacist or pharmacy professionals. Rules are needed to set clear and enforceable standards to ensure that pharmacy business systems and practices promote public health, safety, and welfare.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state department of labor and industries will be invited to participate as stakeholders in the rule-development process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Stakeholders will be invited to participate in rule-writing workshops and provide input throughout the rule-making process. Interested parties can sign up to receive information, updates, or provide comments to the commission at WSPQAC@doh.wa.gov or by contacting Doreen Beebe, Program Manager, Department of Health, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852.
October 28, 2014
Chris Humberson, R.Ph.
Executive Director
Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission