HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 6441

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to expiration dates on prescriptions dispensed by nonresident pharmacies.

Brief Description:  Requiring expiration dates on prescriptions dispensed by nonresident pharmacies.

Sponsors:  Senators Moyer, Franklin, Schow, Wojahn, Zarelli, Quigley, Wood, Winsley, Fairley, Deccio, Oke and Kohl.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/22/96 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Hymes, Vice Chairman; Cody, Ranking Minority Member; Murray, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Casada; Conway; Crouse; Morris; Sherstad; Skinner and H. Sommers.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  Pharmacies that ship, mail, or deliver prescriptions to the state of Washington are required to be licensed as nonresident pharmacies.  These pharmacies are required to comply with rules for the provision of drug information to patients and information necessary to assure the proper utilization of the medication prescribed.

Current state law requires all in-state pharmacies to attach a label that contains information, including the expiration date of the medication, to all prescription containers.  Nonresident pharmacies are not required to include the expiration dates.

The use of nonresident pharmacies has grown rapidly in recent years.

Summary of Bill:  Nonresident pharmacies are required to attach a label including the expiration date of the medication to any prescription dispensed in the state of Washington.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  None.