PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules effectuating prescription drug projects as provided for in chapter 41.05 RCW including, but not limited to programs established by the 2003 legislature at SB 6088 (chapter 29, Laws of 2003). These may include an evidence-based prescription drug program, negotiation of discounts from pharmaceutical manufacturers, practitioner endorsement and use of a prescription drug preferential list, establishment and governance of an independent pharmacy and therapeutics committee to evaluate the effectiveness of prescription drugs, as well as a clearing house for information on prescription drug discount plans and a senior discount program.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.160.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules will govern development of prescription drug programs established pursuant to chapter 41.05 RCW and are necessary to implement SB 6088 (chapter 29, Laws of 2003) as passed by the 2003 legislature. It is anticipated that a new chapter 182-50 WAC will be set aside for regulation of these projects.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: RCW 41.05.011(2), as amended by SB 6088 (chapter 29, Laws of 2003), defines "state purchased health care" to include purchases made by several Washington state agencies including the Departments of Social and Health Services, Health, Labor and Industries, Corrections, Veterans Affairs, local school districts as well as the basic health and public employee programs administered by the Health Care Authority.
Process for Developing New Rule: These rules will be adopted after discussions with affected agencies and the public.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Duane Thurman, Health Care Authority, 1511 Third Avenue, Suite 201, Mailstop TB-51, Seattle, WA 98101-3662, phone (360) 521-2036, fax (360) 521-2001.
June 30, 2003
Melodie Bankers
Rules Coordinator