SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2730

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 22, 2016

Title: An act relating to the prescription monitoring program.

Brief Description: Concerning the prescription monitoring program.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Peterson, Walkinshaw, Ortiz-Self, Bergquist, Kagi, Gregerson, Kilduff, Frame and Pollet).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/16, 80-16.

Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/22/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)

Background: The Prescription Monitoring Program. The Department of Health (DOH) maintains a prescription monitoring program (PMP) to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances and other drugs that demonstrate a potential for abuse. Each time one of these drugs is dispensed, the dispenser must electronically submit the following information to the PMP:

Data in the PMP may be accessed by the following people:

The Health Information Exchange. A Health Information Exchange (HIE) is a secure way for health care organizations to share messages and clinical information. Washington's HIE is operated by OneHealthPort, a lead organization designated by the Health Care Authority.

Summary of Bill: Access to the PMP is expanded to include:

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: We are in a heroin crisis in this state and opioids are linked to the increased use of heroin. This bill is a result of stakeholdering that took place during the 2015 interim. There are six million opioid prescriptions filled in Washington every year. This bill would allow access for health care providers to keep an eye out for people who shop for opioids. This provides health care providers with an opportunity for health care providers to be more aware of the PMP and gives them better access to that system. This would increase use of the PMP and allows more efficient access to the PMP if used through the HIE. Prescribers who do not use the PMP state that the time it takes to sign up to the system and to sign in are barriers to their use. This would remove those barriers to use. The PMP is an essential tool in combating this crisis and allow prescribers to see prescriptions received over the last year. Washington is the only state to see a reduction in deaths due to opioid use, it has proven worth in improving partial outcomes. This will ensure hospitals and clinics will have access to data.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Rep Peterson, prime sponsor; Cassie Sauer, Washington State Hospital Association; Kathryn Kolan, Washington State medical Association; Liam Yore, MD, Wa. Chapter - American College of Emergency Physicians, WSMA; Gary Garrety, Department of Health.

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