WSR 17-05-014
PROPOSED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission)
[Filed February 3, 2017, 4:54 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 16-17-020.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-861-105 Suicide prevention education, creating a new section to establish a one-time continuing education (CE) requirement for pharmacists in suicide prevention.
Hearing Location(s): Comfort Inn Conference Center, 1620 74th Avenue S.W., Evergreen Room, Tumwater, WA 98501, on March 30, 2017, at 9:15 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: March 30, 2017.
Submit Written Comments to: Brett Lorentson, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax (360) 236-2260, by March 22, 2017.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Brett Lorentson by March 22, 2017, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule implements chapter 90, Laws of 2016 (E2SHB 2793). The law amended RCW 43.70.442 adding pharmacists to the list of professionals required to complete CE in suicide prevention. The proposed rule requires pharmacists to take a one-time, three-hour training in suicide screening and referral with content related to the assessment of issues related to imminent harm via lethal means.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The education will increase pharmacists' knowledge related to suicidal ideation and better prepare pharmacists if they encounter suicidal patients. It is the ultimate goal that this requirement helps save the lives of Washington residents.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.64.005.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.70.442.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Pharmacy quality assurance commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Brett Lorentson, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504-7852, (360) 236-4611; Implementation and Enforcement: Doreen Beebe, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504-7852, (360) 236-4834.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule would not impose more than minor costs on businesses in an industry.
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Doreen Beebe, Department of Health, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4834, fax (360) 236-2260, email Doreen.Beebe@doh.wa.gov.
February 3, 2017
Tim Lynch, PharmD, MS, Chair
Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
NEW SECTION
WAC 246-861-105 Suicide prevention education.
(1) A licensed pharmacist must complete a one-time training in suicide prevention that meets the following requirements:
(a) The training is at least three hours long;  
(b) Until July 1, 2017, training must be an empirically supported training in suicide screening and referral, and meet any other requirements in RCW 43.70.442; and
(c) Beginning July 1, 2017, training must be on the department of health's model list of approved suicide prevention training programs, and include content related to imminent harm via lethal means.
(2) The hours spent completing the training in this section count toward meeting continuing education requirements in WAC 246-861-090.
(3) Nothing in this chapter is intended to expand or limit the pharmacist scope of practice.