HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1003

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to information on prescription drugs.

Brief Description:  Requiring pharmacists to provide information on prescription drugs.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives O'Brien, Dellwo, Wineberry and Brough.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Health Care, February 20, 1991, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HEALTH CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 1003 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Casada, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cantwell; Edmondson; Franklin; Morris; Paris; Prentice; and Sprenkle.

Minority Report: Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Moyer, Ranking Minority Member.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  A person who is in need of prescribed medication may not be aware of the side effects of the medication. Currently, by rules adopted by the Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists are required to provide to patients information with each new prescription if there are hazards associated with excessive or continued use of the drug.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  There is a legislative finding that legend drugs may have adverse side effects, and that patients need information to minimize any adverse or undesirable drug interactions.

A pharmacist or other practitioner who dispenses drugs to a patient is required to inform the patient of any information necessary to assure the proper utilization of the medication.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The requirement of the board to compile a list of prescription drugs that pose substantial risks when taken in combination with alcohol or which impair a person's ability to drive is eliminated. The requirement of pharmacists to include a label or enclosure on new drug prescriptions warning purchasers of adverse drug reactions is also eliminated.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  There is a need to inform consumers of adverse drug reactions when buying medications, and current rules of the Board of Pharmacy require this. However, there is no further necessity for requiring a pharmacist to insert a warning label or enclosure with the prescription.  The compiling, up-dating, and distribution of a list of dangerous drugs is costly as well as unnecessary to achieve the beneficial purpose of the bill.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative O'Brien, prime sponsor (pro); Nancy Covert, Washington State Grange (pro); Don Williams, Pharmacy Board; Lars Hennum, Pharmacists of Washington (con); Doug Beeman; and Dr. Bill Robinson, Washington State Medical Association (pro).