SB 6268-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds that access to prescription drugs is vital to the health of many Washington residents.  However, increased cost and utilization of such drugs is straining the resources of many individuals, and public and private entities. 

     Requires the department to award prescription drug information and education grants to local government or nonprofit organizations for the design and implementation of programs intended to inform and train persons age sixty-five and older in the safe, appropriate, and cost-effective use of prescription and nonprescription medications.

     Authorizes the department to implement any senior prescription drug assistance program authorized and funded by the federal government in accordance with the standards established under that authorization.

     Provides that, no later than January 1, 2003, the administrator of the health care authority shall submit to the governor and the legislature a progress report regarding the implementation of efforts to coordinate state agency drug purchasing pursuant to RCW 41.05.021(1)(b)(iii), including an explanation of and rationale for the strategies developed, and the timeline for implementation.

     Appropriates the sum of forty-nine thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, from the general fund to the department of social and health services, all of which the department of social and health services must award to local governments and nonprofit organizations under of this act.