FINAL BILL REPORT

                 ESHB 1769

                         C 222 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for the electronic transfer of prescriptions.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Zellinsky, Sheldon and L. Thomas).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  The use of electronic equipment for transferring patient prescription information is not authorized or regulated by law.

Summary:  The electronic communication of prescription information is authorized by law.

Electronic communication of prescription information means the transfer of prescription information by computer, facsimile visual imaging (FAX), or other electronic means for original or refill information for legend drugs and controlled substances between a prescribing practitioner and a pharmacy, or between pharmacies.

Electronically communicated prescription information is limited to schedule III through V controlled substances and must comply with applicable laws and rules.  The Board of Pharmacy is authorized to adopt rules implementing these provisions.  Except for FAX equipment in current use, electronic systems must be approved by the Board of Pharmacy.  The board must maintain a list of approved systems.

Electronically communicated prescription information must:  allow the opportunity for health prescribers to indicate their preferences for substituting therapeutically equivalent generic drugs authorized by law; protect the confidentiality of patient prescription information from unauthorized disclosure; and assure accuracy and authenticity of prescriptions.

Votes on Final Passage:

House960

Senate420(Senate amended)

House950(House concurred)

Effective:June 11, 1998