Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1412

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.

Brief Description: Concerning nonresident pharmacies.

Sponsors: Representatives Thai, DeBolt, Slatter, Cody, Jinkins and Riccelli; by request of Department of Health.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires nonresident pharmacies to submit to the Department of Health copies of recent inspection reports conducted by inspection programs approved by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Committee in order to receive or renew licensure.

Hearing Date: 2/1/19

Staff: Jenny Aronson (786-7290) and Jim Morishima ( 786-7191).

Background:

A nonresident pharmacy is a pharmacy located outside of Washington that ships, mails, or delivers, in any manner, except when delivered in person to an individual, controlled substances, legend drugs, or devices into the state.

Nonresident pharmacies must be licensed by the Department of Health (Department) and are required to disclose to the Department:

As a prerequisite to be licensed by the Department, the nonresident pharmacy must submit a copy of the most recent inspection report issued by the regulatory licensing agency of the state or Canadian province in which it is located. Nonresident pharmacies must renew their licenses annually.

Summary of Bill:

A nonresident pharmacy must submit to the Department of Health a copy of the most recent inspection report conducted by an inspection program approved by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) as having substantially equivalent standards to those of the Commission. The nonresident pharmacy must submit a copy of the report both as a prerequisite to be licensed by the Department, and annually upon renewal of that license. The report must have been issued within two years of application or renewal of a license.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.