HB 1652-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that, in consultation with state and local agencies and private parties, the administrator shall oversee the development of a therapeutic and cost-effective prescription drug education and utilization system designed to promote therapeutic and cost-effective utilization of prescription drugs by residents of the state of Washington.

     Directs the administrator to establish a pharmacy and therapeutics committee to develop a uniform formulary for state-purchased health care.

     Provides that proprietary information submitted upon request of the administrator by any insurer, vendor, pharmaceutical manufacturer, or other entity/person for the purpose of analyzing and developing cost containment options, delivery alternatives, prescription drug education and utilization systems, and consolidated purchasing for state-purchased health care programs may be withheld at any time from public inspection when necessary to preserve trade secrets or prevent unfair competition.

     Directs the administrator to design and implement at least two pilot disease management programs for persons covered through state-purchased health care programs.  The programs shall begin operation on or before July 1, 2002.

     Provides that, by January 1, 2002, the administrator shall submit to the governor and the legislature a progress report regarding the implementation of the therapeutic and cost-effective prescription drug education and utilization system.

     Appropriates the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the biennium ending June 30, 2003, from the health services account to the health care authority for the purposes of this act.