FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2623

                         C 255 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring the use of single name identifiers for persons obtaining controlled substances.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Hymes, Cody, Murray, Brumsickle, Casada, Conway, Skinner, Crouse, Morris, Sherstad and Scheuerman.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Obtaining controlled substances by fraud is unlawful and punishable by imprisonment for not more than two years or a fine of not more than $2,000.  There is, however, no specific prohibition against using more than one name in order to obtain a prescription for a controlled substance from a practitioner or pharmacist.

Summary:  It is unlawful to obtain a controlled substance by giving more than one name to a practitioner, including a pharmacist.  When a person's name is legally changed, the person is required to inform all providers so that medical and pharmacy records may be filed under a single name identifier.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     96 0

Senate    48 0 (Senate amended)

House     94 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  June 6, 1996