Brief Description: Allowing the department of fish and wildlife to use approved controlled substances for chemical capture programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Sump, Cooper, Armstrong, Pearson, McDermott and Chase; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hearing Date: 1/31/03

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances is regulated by the State

Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Health (DOH) under the Uniform Controlled

Substances Act. Controlled substances are categorized into five schedules according to their

potential for abuse, the extent of currently accepted medical use in the United States, and the

potential that use of the drug may lead to physical or psychological dependence. The United

States Drug Enforcement Administration issued a rule in 1999 placing the substance ketamine

into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

The DOH registers applicants that dispense controlled substances within the state. The

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) uses controlled substances to capture

animals in response to problem and dangerous wildlife complaints and for management and

research purposes. The DFW has historically used ketamine for its chemical capture activities, and is not authorized to use schedule III drugs.

Summary of Bill:

The DOH may adopt rules to issue a limited registration for the DFW to operate chemical capture

programs using approved controlled substances. The Board of Pharmacy, in consultation with

the DFW, may add or remove controlled substances for use in chemical capture programs. The

DFW may not permit persons to administer controlled substances without proper knowledge and

training. The Board of Pharmacy may suspend or revoke registration if it determines a person

administering controlled substances has not demonstrated adequate knowledge.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.