|
The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (commission) recently completed a 2.5-year process to consolidate all rules under its authority into one new chapter (chapter 246-945 WAC). While the vast majority of rules contained in chapter 246-945 WAC were effective on July 1, 2020, the new continuing education (CE) requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were delayed to align with the implementation of the 2-year license renewal cycle for all pharmacy professions. While the implementation date of the 2-year license renewal cycle was anticipated to March 1, 2021, it is now December 1, 2021.
In other words, the new continuing education rules (WAC 246-945-178 and 246-945-220) and the implementation of the 2-year license renewal cycle will take effect on December 1, 2021. (Note: License expiration date will still coincide with licensees’ birthday, which will be reflected on the renewal notice.)
For more information and clarification on the amount of CE needed by license expiration date, please see this guidance document on the commission’s website.
Enforcement of Intern Registration Renewal Limit
At the October 1, 2020 business meeting the commission determined that it will not enforce WAC 246-945-155(3), which states that an intern registration can only be renewed twice, until the 2-year license renewal cycle is implemented (December 1, 2021). This ensures that pharmacy interns have adequate time to hold their registration during the transition to the 2-year license renewal cycle.
For more information on intern registration renewal limit, please see this guidance document on the commission’s website.
For questions, please contact WSPQAC@doh.wa.gov or for questions related to the new rules, contact PharmacyRules@doh.wa.gov.
|
