SB 6197 - DIGEST

     Declares that the initiative includes the following components:  (1) A subsidized prescription drug insurance plan for seniors and the disabled, designed and implemented pursuant to this act;

     (2) Prescription drug information and education grants awarded to local organizations pursuant to this act;

     (3) A uniform formulary of prescription drugs and a system for prescription drug utilization review for state-purchased health care programs as provided in this act.  In consultation with appropriate state agencies, the administrator may determine the extent to which the formulary or prescription drug utilization review will apply to each state-purchased health care program;

     (4) A system of academic detailing and consumer counterdetailing that educates physicians and other prescribers and consumers on the therapeutic and cost-effective utilization of prescription drugs.

     Establishes the Washington prescription drug insurance plan within the Washington pharmacy access initiative.  The plan shall be actuarially sound and designed to provide eligible persons with coverage for prescription drugs and pharmacy services.  Enrollment in the plan is voluntary.

     Provides that, by January 1, 2002, and by January 1st of each year through 2005, the administrator shall submit to the governor and the legislature a progress report regarding the implementation and impact of the pharmacy access initiative, including, where appropriate, information regarding enrollment in and the financial status of each of its components.  The report shall be prepared in consultation with the agencies and organizations participating in the development of the initiative under this act, and may present recommendations for modifications to the initiative, or for additional strategies that should be pursued to provide affordable access to and promote therapeutic and cost-effective utilization of prescription drugs by residents of the state of Washington.