SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5459
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 February 19, 2013
Title: An act relating to requiring ninety-day supply limits on certain drugs dispensed by a pharmacist.
Brief Description: Requiring ninety-day supply limits on certain drugs dispensed by a pharmacist.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Keiser, Parlette, Dammeier and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/18/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Mich'l Needham (786-7442)
Background: The State Board of Pharmacy, within the Department of Health, regulates the licensing of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy. In general, pharmacists may dispense medications consistent with the prescription or order; however, a pharmacist may make product substitutions or modifications to the prescription under some conditions.
A number of states have passed legislation allowing pharmacists to dispense refills of a prescription with up to a 90-day supply without the direct order of the prescriber.
Summary of Bill: A pharmacist may dispense up to a 90-day supply of a drug, other than a controlled substance, with a valid prescription that specifies the initial quantity of less than a 90-day supply followed by refills, if all of the following requirements are met:
the patient has completed an initial 30-day supply of the drug, or has been previously dispensed the same medication in a 90-day supply;
the total quantity of dosage units dispensed does not exceed the total quantity of dosage units authorized by the prescriber on the prescription including refills;
the prescriber has not specified that dispensing the prescription in an initial amount is medically necessary; and
the pharmacist is exercising their professional judgment.
A pharmacist may not dispense a greater supply of a drug if the prescriber indicates no change to quantity orally or in their own handwriting, or if the prescriber checks the box on the prescription marked no change to quantity and personally initials the box or checkmark.
Nothing may be construed to require a health care insurance plan, workers' compensation insurance plan, pharmacy benefit manager, or other entity, to provide coverage for a drug in a manner inconsistent with the patient's benefit plan.
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 is about cost savings and adherence to maintenance drugs. A 90-day supply saves dispensing fees and patients save co-pays as opposed to dispensing three, 30-day supplies. In addition, patients are more likely to adhere to taking their medications, especially maintenance medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression, which are among the most commonly dispensed products for Walgreens.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jim Hedrick, Walgreens.