PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Board of Pharmacy)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: New chapter 246-874 WAC, Pharmaceutical services -- Correctional facilities. The board of pharmacy is considering developing rules that will establish minimum enforceable requirements specifically for Washington correctional facilities in safe handling, storage, recordkeeping and administration of pharmaceuticals.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005 and 18.64.165.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To ensure public safety and appropriate oversite [oversight] by the board of pharmacy (BOP), rules may be needed to establish enforceable standards specific to the practice of pharmacy in correctional facilities. The BOP has the authority to regulate the practice of pharmacy in correctional facilities, but it does not have specific standards to evaluate these services. Currently, BOP applies retail pharmacy standards (rules), which do not adequately evaluate services provided in correctional facilities. Without the ability to enforce reasonable standards more specific to these facilities, public health and safety is at risk.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Washington state department of corrections (DOC). The DEA and DOC will be invited to participate in the stakeholder process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making - mailings and public meetings.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Parties interested in participating and receiving additional information regarding the development of rules in this matter may join an interested parties list. Please send your e-mail request to WSBOP@doh.wa.gov or contact Doreen Beebe at the Washington State Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 47863, Olympia, WA 98504-7863, phone (360) 236-4834, or by fax (360) 586-4359.
July 5, 2007
Lisa A. Salmi
Acting Executive Director