March 3, 2020

According to the FDA, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics to treat, cure or prevent COVID-19 at this time. There are FDA-approved treatments that may help ease the symptoms from a supportive care perspective. Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine are not FDA-approved for COVID-19. 

We want providers and pharmacists to act with their best discretion to ensure patients continue to receive appropriate treatment in time of shortages. However, we discourage inappropriate prescribing of this medication for prophylaxis, which may restrict access for patients that really need appropriate therapy such as those patients in our state with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria diagnoses. Additionally the Washington Medical Commission has existing policy taking a position against self-treatment and prescribing for family members, if that is the case or if applicable, which is based on an American Medical Association code of ethics statement from 1993.

Please review  RCW 69.41.040 for appropriate prescribing requirements and practice good stewardship over the drug supply chain. Thanks for your attention during these unprecedented times.