Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.04.030, 51.36.010, 51.04.020.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule governs drugs and medications. It provides information on coverage and guidelines for treatment with drugs and medications to ensure quality medical care for claimants in the worker compensation and crime victims programs. The purpose of the rule is to improve prescribing practices and give clear information to medical providers to allow for easier compliance with the rule.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Coordination will occur with: Department of Health, Drug Enforcement Agency, Board of Pharmacies. This will occur during meetings with these agencies and via e-mail and telephone consultations.

Process for Developing New Rule: Formal advisory committee-Washington State Medical Association, Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee, informal advisory committee-internal and external stakeholders.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties may participate by calling or e-mailing Amy Levinson, Department of Labor and Industries, (360) 902-6324, levb235@Ini.wa.gov.

June 24, 1998

Gary Moore

Director