Washington § 18.64.560 - Nursing homes and hospice programs — Emergency drug kits — Supplemental dose kits. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.64.560 — Nursing homes and hospice programs — Emergency drug kits — Supplemental dose kits. (Effective until June 30, 2027.), with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.64.560. Nursing homes and hospice programs — Emergency drug kits — Supplemental dose kits. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

(1) A pharmacy or pharmacist may provide a limited quantity of drugs to a nursing home or hospice program without a prescription for emergency administration by authorized personnel of the facility or program pursuant to a valid prescription. The drugs so provided must be limited to those required to meet the immediate therapeutic needs of residents or patients and may not be available from another authorized source in sufficient time to prevent risk of harm by delay resulting from obtaining drugs from another source. Emergency kits must be secured in a locked room, container, or device to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure the proper environment for preservation of the drugs.
(2) In addition to or in connection with the emergency kit authorized under subsection (1) of this section, a nursing home that employs a unit dose drug distribution system may maintain a supplemental dose kit for supplemental nonemergency drug therapy. Supplemental dose kits must be secured in a locked room, container, or device to prevent unauthorized access, and to ensure the proper environment for preservation of the drugs. Administration of drugs from a supplemental dose kit must be under a valid prescription or chart order.
(3) The types and quantity of drugs appropriate to serve the resident or patient population of a nursing home or hospice program using an emergency kit or supplemental dose kit and procedures for the proper storage and security of drugs must be determined by a pharmaceutical services committee that includes a pharmacist licensed under this chapter, a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW, an osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW, or an *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, and appropriate clinical or administrative personnel of the nursing home or hospice program as set forth in rules adopted by the pharmacy quality assurance commission.
(4) A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse operating under appropriate direction and supervision by a pharmacist may restock an emergency kit or supplemental dose kit to provide for safe and timely patient access.
[ 2016 c 148 s 3.]

Notes

*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
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RCW 18.64.560

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.64.560

What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.64.560 cover?

Section 18.64.560 ("Nursing homes and hospice programs — Emergency drug kits — Supplemental dose kits. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.64.560" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

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No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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Sources & Verification

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