WSR 18-05-086 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (Board of Optometry) [Filed February 20, 2018, 2:14 p.m.] Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-851-580 and 246-851-590, drug list and guidelines, the board of optometry (board) is considering revising the rules to clarify the use of adjuvant analgesics for the practice of optometry. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: An optometrist asked the board whether the drugs gabapentin and pregabalin would be considered under the existing category of analgesics in WAC 246-851-580 (1)(j). These drugs were originally developed as antiepileptic drugs, but are now used to help treat pain and are commonly referred to as adjuvant analgesics. The board approached the pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) to determine whether these drugs would fit under the drug category of analgesics. The commission supported the concept, but requested for the sake of transparency and public process, that the board initiate rule making to clarify these drugs in rule. This rule would allow optometrists to provide better treatment options for patients who have pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Pharmacy quality assurance commission. 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 Loralei Walker, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4947, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov. Additional comments: Interested stakeholders may sign up for the board of optometry interested parties list GovDelivery at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. All rule-making notices will be emailed to the board of optometry interested parties list, GovDelivery, Optometric Physicians of Washington, and the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. February 20, 2018 Kathy Schmitt, Deputy Director Office of Health Professions
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