Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005, chapters 69.41, 69.50 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Legislation was enacted by the 1998 Legislature to allow the electronic communication of prescription information. Rules need to be developed to safeguard against the inappropriate access, modification or manipulation of confidential health care information through electronic prescription transfer programs.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making through public meetings and 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 98504-7863, phone (360) 586-3018, fax (360) 586-4359.

June 19, 1998

D. H. Williams

Executive Director