Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy. The purpose of the proposed action is to address a petition for rulemaking requesting amendments to specify a limitation of excessive hours of work without any breaks for pharmacists. The regulation is necessary to prevent, to the extent possible, prescription errors due to fatigue and lack of concentration by pharmacists in the important task of assuring the accuracy and integrity of controlled substances. The action is the result of a petition for rulemaking by a pharmacist and was strongly supported in comment on the petition.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 and Chapters 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) and 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: October 10, 2012.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4416, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.