SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5478

                    As of January 30, 1995

Title:  An act relating to control of opiate substitutes.

Brief Description:  Providing for state control of opiate substitutes.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Hochstatter, Deccio and West.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/31/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Dennis Martin (786-7403)

Background:  The use of methadone, an opiate substitute, is recognized as a medical treatment for heroin and other opiate addiction in Washington.  A county legislative authority may prohibit the use of methadone treatment within the county.

Methadone treatment and maintenance require administration of the medication on a daily basis. The use of methadone removes or reduces the heroin dependence of patients by substituting daily  methadone treatments.

Methadone maintenance is an intervention strategy to reduce the incidence of HIV infection because HIV is spread through the sharing of needles and methadone is administered orally.

Summary of Bill: The state of Washington no longer recognizes the use of methadone or other opiate substitutes in the treatment of persons addicted to heroin or other opioids.  Methadone maintenance is no longer considered an intervention strategy to reduce the incidence of HIV infection. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 25, 1995.

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