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Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission will be holding a two-day commission meeting on May 12-13, 2022. See agendas and meeting Material below.
May 12, 2022- Agenda & Meeting Material
May 13, 2022- Agenda & Meeting Materials
Please register for the May 12-13, 2022 meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. (If you have already registered for the 2022 meetings you need not register again.)
On the day of the meeting choose one of the following audio options:
- COMPUTER: When the webinar begins, you will be connected to audio using your computer microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended.
- TELEPHONE: If you prefer to use your phone, you must select "Use Telephone" after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers provided for each day. If you would like to address the commission, you must enter an audio pin for the webinar organizer to unmute you.
- Participants may also telephone directly into the meeting: UNITED STATES: 631.992.3221 ATTENDEE-muted: 704.709.411
Registration Link (copy/paste if needed): https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4623500690320973325
The commission has filed a rulemaking inquiry (CR-101) under WSR 22-09-065 on April 19, 2022, to consider new and amended rules in chapter 246-945 WAC related to prescription label accessibility standards. The inquiry addresses issues pertaining to both visual/print disability access and the translation of prescription drug information for individuals for whom English is not a primary language.
On September 8, 2021, the commission received a petition requesting pharmacies provide accessible medication label options for patients with visual or print disabilities. On October 22, 2021, the commission voted to approve the petition and consider rulemaking. Minimum requirements for outpatient prescription labeling are described in WAC 246-945-016, but the section does not reference accommodations for patients who are visually impaired, blind, or have other disabilities requiring additional prescription label options provided by their pharmacy.
The commission also received a petition on January 13, 2022, requesting that translations of prescription directions on prescription labels be made available in multiple languages for ambulatory (community based) patients. The petition included an additional request to amend WAC 246-945-417 in order to establish a deadline by which pharmacy outpatient dispensing systems must comply with a requirement to translate prescription medication directions. The commission voted to approve the petition and consider rulemaking pertaining to the provision of translated prescription information by pharmacies on January 28, 2022.
The commission adopted a new permanent rule under WSR 22-10-044 on April 28, 2022, to amend WAC 246-945-056 Schedule V for the purpose of removing Epidiolex from the list of Schedule V substances. This rule has been in effect since July 10, 2020 through emergency rule. This permanent rule replaces the emergency rule.
Epidiolex is an FDA-approved cannabidiol with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinal (THC) used to help treat some seizure disorders. The Uniform Controlled Substances Act (chapter 69.50 RCW) declassifies hemp products with less than 0.3% THC from the definition of a controlled substance because hemp was removed from the definition of marijuana per RCW 15.140.020(6). The commission received a petition from interested parties to update the rules to reflect changes caused by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. In response to the rulemaking petition and the goal of reducing superfluous pressure on the health system during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the commission engaged in both emergency and permanent rulemaking.
When available, information pertaining to the removal of Epidiolex from Schedule V and WSR 22-10-044 may be found on both the commission’s Rules in Progress page and the commission’s What’s New page.
As a reminder, health care practitioners licensed by or seeking licensure from the Pharmacy Commission have mandatory self-reporting requirements per Chapter 246-16 WAC. Please see the following link: Health Professions Mandatory Reporting | Washington State Department of Health
The April 2022 issue of the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission's
quarterly newsletter is now available. The newsletter is published in collaboration with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to protect public health and promote compliance with laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.
The Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Infectious Disease would like to invite all pharmacists to participate in the 7-part webinar series addressing the most common barriers (and knowledge gaps) for pharmacies wishing to launch a new PrEP Program in Washington State.
Here is the link to the bulletin as well as the link to register for Series #4. This will be held on May 6, 2022 from Noon until 1:00 pm.
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