The Pharmacy Commission on August 10 released emergency rules supporting the regulatory, inspection and investigation of pharmacy services provided in clinics owned and operated by a hospital. This emergency rule allows hospitals an additional option when determining how to license a clinic owned and operated by a hospital where drugs are transferred and stored. WSHA is pleased with these rules and has been advocating for this approach since 2015.
These rules are in response to legislation (SB 5460) WSHA advanced in the 2016 legislative session. WSHA has been working closely with the commission and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the rules are correctly calibrated and provide hospitals different licensing options. The commission will keep emergency rules in effect until permanent rules are adopted. As of August 2017, DOH has assigned nearly 300 Hospital Pharmacy Associated Clinic licenses. The standards in this emergency rule have not changed from the emergency rule released on April 12, 2017, WSR 17-09-025. (Ian Corbridge)
