SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1115

BYHouse Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Zellinsky, Schmidt, Baugher, Pruitt, Sayan, Haugen, Scott, Vekich, Padden, Cooper and R. Meyers) 

Authorizing purchase of legend drugs by animal control agencies.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989; March 28, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Hansen, Madsen, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:David Monthie (786-7198)

                  March 29, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MARCH 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

"Legend drugs" are defined by the state's prescription drug laws as drugs that are required by statute or regulation of the state Board of Pharmacy to be dispensed by prescription or are to be used only by practitioners.  "Practitioners" are defined to include, among others, veterinarians and institutions licensed or otherwise permitted to dispense or administer legend drugs in the course of professional practice or research.

With certain exceptions, persons who manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances as defined in statute are required by the state's Uniform Controlled Substances Act to register with the state Board of Pharmacy.  By rule, the board permits humane societies to apply for registration to permit them to administer sodium pentobarbital to euthanize injured, sick, or unwanted domestic pets and animals.

SUMMARY:

Humane societies and animal control agencies registered with the Board of Pharmacy under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and authorized by the board to euthanize animals may purchase, possess, and administer approved legend drugs to either (1) sedate animals before euthanizing them, or (2) use in chemical capture programs.  Approved legend drugs are defined as those designated by the board by rule for these purposes, and do not include controlled substances.

Registered societies or agencies are only to permit the administering of legend drugs by persons who have demonstrated adequate knowledge of the potential hazards and the proper techniques to be used.

The Board of Pharmacy is to adopt rules to ensure strict compliance by animal control agencies.  If the board determines that a person administering legend drugs for a society or agency has not demonstrated adequate knowledge, it is authorized to revoke the registration of that society or agency.  This authority is in addition to any other power to suspend or revoke a registration.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Persons who administer legend drugs must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board of Pharmacy their competence and knowledge.  The board is required to adopt rules for the storage, inventory control, administration and recordkeeping of approved legend drugs that conform to the rules adopted by the board for controlled substances.

Senate Committee - Testified: Roger Childress, Washington State Federation of Humane Societies (pro); Harmon Rogers, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (pro); Phyllis Wene, Board of Pharmacy; Jack Havens, South Puget Sound Veterinary Medical Association (con)