HB 1652 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Directs the administrator to develop, in consultation with state and local agencies and private parties, 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.

     Provides that, by January 1, 2002, the administrator of the health care authority 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.

     Requires the administrator to design and implement at least two, but no more than five, pilot disease management programs for  persons enrolled in the public employees' benefits board uniform medical plan.  The programs shall begin operation on or before July 1, 2002.

     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.