Washington News: Pharmaceutical Services - Correctional Pharmacies - Rule Update

January 1, 2009 10:44 AM Topics: Pharmacies

Published in the January 2009 Washington State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

Last year the Board announced its intent to develop rules addressing standards for the practice of pharmacy in correctional facilities.
The Correctional Committee of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs expressed an interest in seeking legislation to address drug delivery and administration issues in correctional facilities without pharmacies. If adopted, this legislation may affect rules for correctional facilities without pharmacies.

Therefore, the rule process for correctional facilities without pharmacies is on hold. The Board plans to continue developing rules to establish enforceable standards for pharmacies operated by correctional facilities.

Depending on the status of legislation, the Board may pursue rules for correctional facilities without pharmacies. If you are interested in viewing draft rules and sending comments, please join the interested parties list. To join, contact the Board office at wsbop@doh.wa.gov.

Correctional facilities is defined broadly as any place designated by law for holding persons in custody under process of law, including state, county, or locally owned or contracted facilities. It is primarily used for the purposes of confinement, correction, rehabilitation, or detention.