SENATE BILL REPORT
SB
6441
As Passed Senate, February 7, 1996
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 & Long-Term Care: 1/31/96 [DP].
Passed Senate, 2/7/96, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Moyer, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Wood.
Staff: Wendy Saunders (786-7439)
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 instate 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. Concern exists that many residents of Washington may be taking medications that have expired because nonresident pharmacies do not have to provide the medication's expiration date. Expired prescriptions may no longer be beneficial to a patient and may even be harmful.
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: No one.