SJM 8001 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Requests that in seeking to ensure reasonable prescription medication prices for the citizens of Washington, the state of Washington, through its duly elected and appointed officials, should explore the possibility of acting in concert with other Northwest states to pursue this goal.

     Resolves that the Northwest states should consider cooperative strategies to address the challenge of the high cost of prescription medications, including:

     (1) Model legislation to ensure citizens access to prescription medications at reasonable and affordable prices;

     (2) Joint pricing and purchasing agreements for prescription medications;

     (3) Programs to provide and facilitate access of qualified citizens to supplies of free and discounted prescription medications offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers; and

     (4) Initiatives to encourage and ensure medications are prescribed in the most effective manner.