SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1182
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of March 21, 2013
Title: An act relating to including pharmacists in the legend drug act.
Brief Description: Including pharmacists in the legend drug act.
Sponsors: Representatives Harris, Cody, Vick, Nealey, Ryu and Jinkins.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/11/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 3/19/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: Pharmacists are regulated by the Board of Pharmacy. They are authorized to interpret prescription orders; compound, dispense, label, administer, and distribute drugs; monitor drug therapy; participate in drug utilization reviews and drug product selection; store, distribute, and maintain records of drugs and devices; and provide information on legend drugs. In addition, pharmacists may initiate drug therapy in accordance with a collaborative drug therapy agreement (CDTA).
A CDTA is a set of written guidelines or protocols established by a health care practitioner who is authorized to prescribe drugs in which authority is delegated to a pharmacist to conduct specific prescribing functions. Among the health care practitioners that may prescribe drugs are physicians, osteopathic physicians, optometrists, dentists, podiatric physicians, veterinarians, certain registered nurses, and advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Summary of Bill: Statutory references are clarified to specify that licensed pharmacists may prescribe legend drugs to the extent allowed by a collaborative drug therapy agreement authorized by the Board of Pharmacy and approved by a practitioner authorized to prescribe drugs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a simple fix that adds pharmacists into the legend drug act if they are participating in collaborative drug therapy. This will assist pharmacists in working collaboratively with prescribers. This bill does not expand the scope of practice of pharmacists who are able to enter into collaborative agreements with prescribers now. Under this bill, pharmacists would maintain the ability to work in teams with prescribers; without this fix, they will not be able to do that.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Harris, prime sponsor; Jeff Rochon, WA State Pharmacists Assn.