SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 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 Passed Senate, February 27, 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: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Becker, Keiser, Parlette, Dammeier and Kline).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/18/13, 2/19/13 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 2/27/13, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5459 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Member; Bailey, Cleveland, Ericksen, Frockt, Parlette and Schlicher.

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 Substitute 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:

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. The pharmacist dispensing an increased supply of the drug must notify the prescriber of the increase in the dosage dispensed.

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 on Original Bill: 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.