FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1144

C 175 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Allowing the department of fish and wildlife to use approved controlled substances for chemical capture programs.

Sponsors: By Representatives Haigh, Sump, Cooper, Armstrong, Pearson, McDermott and Chase; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

Background:

The State Board of Pharmacy (Board) and the Department of Health (DOH) regulate the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Act). Controlled substances are categorized into five schedules according to their potential for abuse, the extent of currently accepted medical use in the United States, and the potential that use of the drug may lead to physical or psychological dependence. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration issued a rule in 1999 placing the substance ketamine into schedule III of the Act.

The DOH registers applicants that dispense legend drugs or controlled substances within the state. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) uses approved legend drugs to capture animals in response to problem and dangerous wildlife complaints and for management and research purposes. The WDFW has historically used the controlled substance ketamine for its chemical capture activities.

Summary:

The DOH may adopt rules to issue a limited registration for the WDFW to operate chemical capture programs using approved controlled substances. The Board, in consultation with the WDFW, must add or remove controlled substances for use in chemical capture programs. The WDFW may not permit persons to administer controlled substances without proper knowledge and training. The Board shall suspend or revoke a registration if it determines a person administering controlled substances has not demonstrated adequate knowledge.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 97  0

Senate 49  0    (Senate amended) 

House 97  0    (House concurred)

Effective: July 27, 2003