WSR 23-03-050
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
[Filed January 10, 2023, 1:29 p.m., effective January 10, 2023, 1:29 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This amendment enables the department of children, youth, and families (DCYF) to take enforcement action in the event a licensee doesn't ensure lifesaving medication is available in emergencies. This rule is intended to save lives. Currently, no other rule allows for this critical function. Further, in July 2022, an identical rule was updated in the licensing requirements for child foster homes (WAC 110-148-1565).
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 110-145-1850.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW
74.15.030.
Under RCW
34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: Due to the rising number of cases of opioid overdoses in our state, including among foster care children and youth, naloxone (Narcan) must be available to swiftly reverse the effects of an overdose. This rule change ensures life-saving actions can be taken in group care facilities.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: January 10, 2023.
Brenda Villarreal
Rules Coordinator
OTS-4295.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 18-14-078, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18)
WAC 110-145-1850What requirements are there for the storage of medications?
(1) Prescription and over-the-counter medications must be kept in a locked container in a manner that minimizes the risks for medication errors.
(2) Human medication and animal medication must be kept separate from each other and in locked containers.
(3) Life-saving medications must be accessible in an emergency.