The Governor has issued the healthcare worker licensing Proclamation 20-32. You can find it here. It’s effective now until midnight on April 25, 2020, unless extended by legislator. Below is a summary of how these waivers affect the pharmacy program and its credential holders.
"Immediate" supervision of technicians - waived.
The governor waived language in the pharmacy technician supervision definition in WAC 246-901-010(11) to allow all pharmacy technicians to perform duties during the waiver period without immediate supervision by a licensed pharmacist. Immediate supervision is defined as visual and/or physical proximity to a licensed pharmacist.
The waiver removes "immediate" from WAC 246-901-020(1) as it relates to pharmacy technicians performing nondiscretionary duties, and specialized functions consistent with their training in pharmacy practice under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist; and WAC 246-901-040 as it relates to the “immediate” supervision of pharmacy technician trainees.
Retired Pharmacist license – waived.
The governor waived language in the retired pharmacist rule WAC 246-863-080(2), which would allow a pharmacist with a retired pharmacist credential to practice pharmacy. The proclamation waived the following language from the rule: “shall not be authorized to practice pharmacy and”.
Continuing Education Requirements for Pharmacist- waived.
This waiver removes the requirement for a pharmacist seeking reinstatement or reactivation of an expired license to provide proof of 15 continuing education hour for the last two most recent years. WAC 246-861-020.
This waiver removes the requirement to complete the equivalent of 1.5 continuing education unit (equal to fifteen contact hours) of continuing education for renewing a pharmacist license. WAC 246-861-090.
This waiver removes the requirement of a pharmacist to complete the three hours of suicide training from the department of health's model list with content related to imminent harm via lethal means, during the first full continuing education reporting period after initial licensure, WAC 246-861-105.
Seven hours of HIV/AIDS training for pharmacist – waived.
This waiver removes the requirement for pharmacist applicants to complete seven hours of HIV/AIDS training for initial licensure. RCW 70.24.280, WAC 246-863-120.
Continuing Education Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians- waived
This waiver removes the requirement for pharmacy technicians to complete the minimum of ten continuing education hours or 1.0 continuing education unit (CEU), with one hour in pharmacy law, every renewal cycle following their first certification renewal, WAC 246-901-061.
Four hours of HIV/AIDS training for pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants – waived.
This waiver removes the requirement for pharmacy technician and assistant applicants to complete 4-hours of HIV/AIDS training for initial licensure. RCW 70.24.280, WAC 246-901-120.
Commission Acts on Hand Sanitizer
The Pharmacy Commission (Commission) has received several inquiries and innovative collaborative concepts related to the manufacturing of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in light of the present public health emergency posed by COVID-19.
Pursuant to the Commission’s discussion and vote during the Special Meeting, March 27, 2020, the commission will not refer or take enforcement actions against licensees or pharmacies that accept donated or manufactured hand sanitizer (using USP and/or non-USP grade ingredients) without obtaining a manufacturer license for consumer use and for health care personnel for the duration of the public health emergency.
Pursuant to the Commission’s discussion and vote during the Special Meeting, March 27, 2020, the commission will not refer or take enforcement actions against individuals or businesses that accept donated or manufactured hand sanitizer (using USP and/or non-USP grade ingredients) without obtaining a manufacturer license, pharmacy license, or shopkeeper registration for consumer use and for health care personnel for the duration of the public health emergency.
The hand sanitizer should be in a manner that is consistent with the guidance issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the United States Pharmacopeia on preparing alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The Commission will provide an update when this position no longer effective or applicable.
The Commission thanks everyone for their patience and doing their part in providing the best care possible during these unprecedented times.
Note: This will also be posted in Plan-19 under the FAQs.
For pharmacists, pharmacies, and health care entities: https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download, https://www.usp.org/sites/default/files/usp/document/about/public-policy/usp-covid19-handrub.pdf
For persons or entities not currently licensed or registered with the Commission: https://www.fda.gov/media/136289/download, https://www.usp.org/sites/default/files/usp/document/about/public-policy/usp-covid19-handrub.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can pharmacies and health care entities manufacture hand sanitizer without obtaining a manufacturer license?
Pursuant to the Pharmacy’s Commission, pharmacies and health care entities that manufacture hand sanitizer in a manner that is consistent with the guidance issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or United States Pharmacopeia (using USP and/or non-USP grade ingredients) can do so without obtaining a manufacturer license. The guidance can be found at https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download, https://www.usp.org/sites/default/files/usp/document/about/public-policy/usp-covid19-handrub.pdf.
Can individuals or business entities manufacture hand sanitizer for distribution to the public without obtaining a manufacturer license or shopkeeper registration?
Pursuant to the Pharmacy’s Commission, individuals or business entities that manufacture hand sanitizer for distribution to the public in a manner that is consistent with the guidance issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or United States Pharmacopeia (using USP and/or non-USP grade ingredients) can do so without obtaining a manufacturer license, pharmacy license, or shopkeeper registration. The guidance can be found at https://www.fda.gov/media/136289/download, https://www.usp.org/sites/default/files/usp/document/about/public-policy/usp-covid19-handrub.pdf.
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