WSR 14-23-046 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission) [Filed November 13, 2014, 3:55 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-872 WAC, Automated drug distribution devices; WAC 246-869-120 Mechanical devices in hospitals; and new chapter 246-XXX WAC, Pharmacy technology. The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) will consider creating and revising rules regarding pharmacy technology related to remote/shared pharmacy services.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.005.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The commission is considering developing rules regarding the use of technology as it applies to the practice of pharmacy. Technological advances in the practice of pharmacy have been occurring at a rapid pace and there are few rules in effect that pertain to contemporary technology in the practice of pharmacy. Rules regarding the use of technological processes, robotics, and equipment used in pharmacy services such as, but not limited to, remote prescription dispensing, centralized pharmacy services, shared hospital services, remote medication order processing, and workload balancing are necessary to establish appropriate, enforceable standards for public health and safety.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also regulates some aspects of the technology that the commission will be reviewing. The commission will work with FDA to ensure that proposed administrative rules align appropriately with federal rules.
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. Interested parties will receive notice of rule making and stakeholder workshops via listserv, and will have the opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules prior to the official public hearing. For more information, please contact the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504, or WSPQAC@doh.wa.gov.
November 13, 2014
Chris Humberson, R.Ph.
Executive Director
Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
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