Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to amend 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy. The Board of Pharmacy received three petitions for rulemaking from hospital pharmacists requesting an amendment to subdivision 5 of 18VAC110-20-490, which provides requirements for automated devices for dispensing and administration of drugs. The petitioners requested less burdensome requirements for verification of storage, location, expiration dates, drug security, and validity of access codes. While the board agreed that the petition was reasonable and the specific requirements in subdivision 5 may need to be modified for consistency with current technology, it concluded that all of 18VAC110-20-490 should be examined for possible amendments that would ensure drug security and integrity but would make compliance less burdensome.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3307 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: December 21, 2011.

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.