FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1008

                          C 68 L 91

                     Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Establishing requirements for labels for over‑the‑counter medications.

Sponsor(s):  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives O'Brien, Dellwo, Wineberry and Winsley).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  The Board of Pharmacy regulates the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of drugs in this state, including controlled substances, legend (prescription) drugs, and over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs.

Currently, the board has no authority to establish requirements for label information for over-the-counter drugs.

Summary:  The Legislature finds that labels on packaged nonprescription drugs may be difficult to read and could pose a potential danger to the health and safety of customers.

Manufacturers of nonprescription drugs should evaluate and modify the labeling of nonprescription drugs for readability and clarity in both the cognitive and visual sense. The Nonprescription Drug Manufactures Association is invited to consult with, and seek advice from, the Board of Pharmacy on a quarterly basis. The board is authorized to appoint an advisory committee to provide assistance. The board must report to the Legislature by December 1, 1993 regarding progress toward improving the readability and clarity of labels.

This law expires on March 31, 1994.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97   0

Senate 45   0

Effective:  July 28, 1991