HB 1999 - DIGEST

     Directs the department to develop and implement a smoking cessation program for medical assistance clients with payments received from the master settlement agreement entered into by the state of Washington with leading United States tobacco product manufacturers.  The smoking cessation program shall include but is not limited to using intervention strategies using federal food and drug administration approved cessation pharmaceutical products and therapies.  The program shall begin offering services by July 1, 2001.  The department may establish an advisory group of technical experts and citizens to provide advice related to the design and implementation of the smoking cessation program.