WSR 16-12-016

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 19, 2016, 3:25 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-870 WAC, Electronic transmission of prescription information, the pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) is considering updating the rules regarding the electronic communication of prescription information and making other housekeeping amendments to change "board of pharmacy" to "pharmacy quality assurance commission."

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005 and SSB 5416 (chapter 279, Laws of 2013).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Pharmacy practice and communication of prescription information has changed over the last ten years, especially related to the use of electronic communication systems for prescription information. The commission last updated the electronic transmission of prescription information rules in 2003. To bring the rules in conformance with the changes in federal and state law, the commission is considering updating the rules related to the electronic communication of prescription information. Additionally, in 2013, the legislature passed SSB 5416, which amended the definition of electronic communication of prescription information and updated the requirements for electronic communication systems.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.

May 17, 2016

Steven Saxe, R.Ph., FACHE

Executive Director

Pharmacy Quality

Assurance Commission