WSR 26-19-097 — Department of Health: (Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission)

WSR 26-19-097 — Department of Health: (Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission) WSR 26-19-097 (26-19) WSR 26-19-097 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission) [Filed September 21, 2026, 9:22 a.m.] Supplemental Notice to WSR 26-12-047. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 25-23-064. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Prescription labeling accessibility rules. The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) proposes amending WAC 246-945-015 and 246-945-026 through 246-945-029 to refine the standards for dispensing practitioners and dispensing facilities subject to the commission's prescription labeling accessibility rules. This supplemental filing further amends the rules to expand exemptions outlined in WAC 246-945-027, [update] a labeling requirement in WAC 246-945-028, and clarify when dispensing practitioners or dispensing facilities must offer accessible labeling services in WAC 246-945-028 and 246-945-029. Hearing Location(s): On November 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Capitol Region ESD 113, 6005 Tyee Drive S.W., Tumwater, WA 98512; or virtually via Zoom at https://zoom.us/join or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86309299195 , Webinar ID 863 0929 9195; or One-tap mobile +12532158782,,86309299195# or +16699009128,,86309299195#; or phone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location) US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 646 931 3860 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799, Webinar ID 861 1495 8466. International numbers available at https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdLNo6unOZ . Date of Intended Adoption: November 5, 2026. Submit Written Comments to: Joshua Munroe, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, email PharmacyRules@doh.wa.gov , fax 360-236-2260, web https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview , beginning the date and time of filing, by October 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Joshua Munroe, phone 360-502-5058, fax 360-236-2260, TTY 711, email PharmacyRules@doh.wa.gov , by October 15, 2026. Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The commission adopted amended and new rules (WAC 246-945-015 and 246-945-026 through 246-945-029) for prescription labeling accessibility standards under WSR 25-04-003 on January 22, 2025. Those amended and new rules require dispensing facilities and dispensing practitioners to provide a means of access to patients with visual impairments or print disabilities, and patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) by supplying accessible prescription labels upon request. Acknowledging the need to give regulated practitioners and facilities time to implement the rules, the commission set an effective date of January 22, 2027. Following the adoption of these rules, the commission received feedback from facilities and practitioners regarding the technological and fiscal challenges for providing the accessibility tools and methods listed in the adopted rules due to changes in the health care landscape that have occurred since the adoption of the rules. In addition, the rules did not clearly allow for the adaptation of newer technology that may assist in providing a means of access to prescription information. The commission determined at its October 16, 2025, business meeting that the accessible labeling rules necessitated review to consider how to best address implementation burdens while still fulfilling the original goal of ensuring meaningful access to accurate prescription information for all patients receiving prescribed medications in Washington. In response, the commission proposed rule amendments to the current rule, WSR 26-12-047, and held a rules hearing on July 23, 2026. The proposed rules revised the accessible labeling program to provide access to both individuals with print disabilities or visual impairments and individuals with LEP. Key changes included: • Visual accessibility: Removing the requi Matter furnished by the Washington Office of the Code Reviser (Washington State Register). Notice Nearby did not write this notice. Source: Washington State Register Published: 2026-09-21 Original: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2026/19/26-19-097.htm This listing was added to the Notice Nearby public register from a public government source. It is not a Notice Nearby paid publication, affidavit, or placement certificate.