BILL REQ. #:  S-1647.1 

Read first time 02/18/2003.   Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

     AN ACT Relating to the distribution of funds to community health clinics; adding a new section to chapter 41.05 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that community health clinics are critical to providing preventive services and medical treatment, including prescription drugs, to low-income people in Washington, and that the state should continue to support these clinics. However, it is also essential that we protect the viability of our private health care providers, who are also fundamental to the health of our population and, especially in rural areas, the economic well-being of our communities. It is the intent of the legislature that community health clinics complement, and not compete with, private health care services.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 41.05 RCW to read as follows:
     The authority shall distribute funds to a community health clinic that provides its patients with outpatient prescription drugs covered by section 340B of the public health services act only: (1) If the clinic has in effect a contract for pharmacy service between itself and a local retail pharmacy; or (2) upon proof that there is no local retail pharmacy able and willing to contract with the clinic to provide pharmacy services.