On May 5, 2025, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy which will result in pharmacy closures nationwide. The Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (commission) knows Washington will not be an exception to these closures and anticipates changes to Washinton's pharmacy sector amid these closures.
The commission, in collaboration with interested parties, is monitoring the Rite Aid bankruptcy proceedings and anticipated pharmacy closures in Washington. The commission strongly encourages pharmacies to consider if they may be impacted by Rite Aid closures in their respective areas and, if so, to begin taking steps to ensure continuity of care for patients.
The commission also reminds licensees that WAC 246-945-345 and WAC 246-945-346 establish provisions for prescription transfers of noncontrolled prescriptions and controlled substance prescriptions. These rules require, among other things, that pharmacies transfer prescriptions within three business days of receiving the request or within a time frame that does not adversely impact the provision of medication therapy, whichever comes first.
The commission recently completed rulemaking on WAC 246-945-480, facility reporting requirements, to update the requirements when a facility permanently closes. These updates include the following.
- Providing notification to customers beginning no later than 30 calendar days prior to closing which includes the last day the pharmacy will be open and the last day a transfer may be initiated. Notification shall include:
- Posting a closing notice in a conspicuous place in the public area of the pharmacy;
- Informing patients of the closure during prescription pick-up or delivery including a notice with dispensed prescriptions informing patients of their right to request a prescription transfer, if applicable; and
- Public notice in at least one legal newspaper of general circulation in the area served by the pharmacy that meets the qualifications of RCW 65.16.020. The public notice must appear in both the print and digital versions of the legal newspaper, if available.