PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Board of Pharmacy)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-901 WAC, Pharmacy technician certification, adding new rules to establish continuing education (CE) requirements for pharmacy technicians and making housekeeping changes to clarify certification renewal and expired credential reactiviation [reactivation] requirements.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64A.020, HB 1353 (chapter 71, Laws of 2011).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: HB 1353 (2011) requires the board of pharmacy (board) to develop rules to establish continuing education (CE) requirements for pharmacy technicians. At this time, pharmacy technicians are not required to obtain CE to maintain a credential. Requiring pharmacy technicians to obtain CE to maintain a credential will ensure they stay current with professional practice standards. The board is also considering making housekeeping changes to clarify certification renewal and expired credential reactivation requirements.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None identified.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in participating in the rule process or receiving updates can contact the Washington state board of pharmacy office to join the interested parties list. Interested parties can send a written request by e-mail to wsbop@doh.wa.gov, by facsimile to (360) 236-2901 or by mail to the Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 47863, Olympia, WA 98501. You can also contact Kitty Slater at (360) 236-4861.
August 22, 2011
Susan Teil Boyer
Executive Director