Subject of Possible Rule Making: Distribution of needles and syringes. The board is examining the possibility of initiating rule making to clarify that the term "legal use" as used in RCW 70.115.050 includes the distribution of sterile hypodermic syringes and needles for the purpose of reducing the transmission of blood-borne diseases.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005(7).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules may be needed to permit the unrestricted sale or distribution of sterile needles and syringes by or with knowledge of a pharmacist in an effort to reduce the transmission of blood-borne diseases.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The agency will coordinate rule-making efforts with local and state law enforcement agencies and local and state health departments.

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 by contacting Lisa A. Salmi, Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 47863, e-mail Lisa.Salmi@doh.wa.gov, Olympia, WA 98504-7863, phone (360) 236-4828, fax (360) 586-4359. Interested persons may contact the board office to obtain information on the dates and location of stakeholder meetings.

January 4, 2000

D. H. Williams

Executive Director

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