SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 2681

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Health Care, February 25, 2016

Title: An act relating to authorizing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense contraceptives.

Brief Description: Authorizing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense contraceptives.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Stambaugh, Manweller, Short, Kochmar, Wilson, Magendanz, Griffey, Riccelli, Cody and Robinson).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/16, 67-30.

Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/18/16, 2/25/16 [DPA, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Cleveland, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bailey, Brown, Conway, Keiser, Parlette and Rivers.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senators Frockt and Jayapal.

Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)

Background: A pharmacist is licensed by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commmission (PQAC) to engage in the practice of pharmacy. The practice of pharmacy is defined in statute and includes the ability to enter into collaborative drug therapy agreements (CDTAs). CDTAs are written guidelines or protocols entered into between a pharmacist and a practitioner authorized to prescribe drugs under which the pharmacists may conduct specified prescribing functions. CDTAs must be filed with PQAC and must include the scope of practice delegated to the pharmacist as well as any limitations to the prescribing that has been delegated.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): To increase awareness of the availability of contraceptives in pharmacies, the Commission must develop a sticker or sign to be displayed on the window or door of a pharmacy that initiates or modifies drug therapy related to self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Removes the provisions permitting state health officers or county health officers to enter into CDTAs with pharmacists in order for the pharmacists to initiate or modify drug therapy related to self-administered hormonal contraception.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2017.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The goal of this bill is to increase access to birth control. We started looking at ways pharmacists could prescribe birth control as a way to increase access. This bills allows county health officers to enter into CDTAs with pharmacists - this would be helpful if the pharmacist is unable to find another provider who is willing to enter into a CDTA. Women do not know that this is currently permitted. The rulemaking in the bill will allow PQAC to develop an assessment tool for pharmacists to use. This bill reflects the work the state has done to help pharmacists participate in health care and to focus on the provision of care for their patients. CDTAs include communication and referral requirements, and issues relating to provision of STD information can be included in the collaborative agreement. This will help in rural areas where access to providers during doctors' hours is problematic; this allows women to access care on their schedule and will reduce unplanned pregnancies. This will ensure access in rural and underserved areas.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Rep. Stambaugh, Prime Sponsor; Sean Graham, Washington State Medical Association; Jeff Rochon, Washington State Pharmacy Association; Melanie Smith, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.