Subject of Possible Rule Making: Schedule II nonnarcotic controlled substances. The Board of Pharmacy will examine adding additional disease states to the listing of diseases for which schedule II nonnarcotic stimulants can be prescribed. The board will examine the issue in consultation with the Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the Osteopathic Board of Medicine and Surgery. The board will also consider updating the listing of designated substances in WAC 246-887-040.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 69.50.402, 18.64.005(7).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The medical community has asked the department to consider allowing prescribers to prescribe nonnarcotic stimulants to treat fatigue-related symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. There has also been discussion by the medical profession on using nonnarcotic stimulants to counteract the sedative effects of high dose opiate therapy in cancer patients. This listing of nonnarcotic substances for the purposes of this rule needs to be updated.

     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 Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy, Lisa Salmi, P.O. Box 47863, Olympia, WA 98504-7863, phone (360) 236-4828, (360) 586-4359, Lisa.Salmi@doh.wa.gov. Interested persons can participate through meetings and by submitting written comments.

October 8, 2001

D. H. Williams

Executive Director

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