WSR 16-19-077

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed September 20, 2016, 10:18 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-865 WAC, Pharmaceutical services—Extended care facility and WAC 246-869-130 Return and exchange of drugs. The pharmacy quality assurance commission is considering updating rules related to long-term care pharmacies in order to conform with ESSB 6203 and ESHB 2458, become consistent with chapter 69.70 RCW, and to reflect current practice.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005, ESSB 6203 (chapter 148, Laws of 2016), chapter 69.70 RCW, ESHB 2458 (chapter 43, Laws of 2016).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In 2016 ESSB 6203 was passed adding definitions and new provisions around the practice of pharmacy in long-term care settings. Rule making may be necessary to address the use of chart orders, dispensing, and shared pharmacy services in long-term care settings as addressed in the bill. Rule making may also be necessary to address the use of automated technology and updated pharmacy practices. Also in 2016, the legislature passed ESHB 2458 which amended chapter 69.70 RCW to allow individuals or their representatives to donate prescription drugs under certain circumstances. The rules need to be updated to be consistent with these changes. Amendments may also be necessary to reflect current practice.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of social and health services, health care authority, and Federal Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, or by contacting Tracy West, policy analyst at the department of health, (360) 236-4988 or tracy.west@doh.wa.gov.

September 20, 2016

Tim Lynch, PharmD, MS, Chair

Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission