HB 1214-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Declares an intent to: (1) Develop a comprehensive prescription drug education and utilization system in Washington state that will ensure best prescribing practices and pharmaceutical use, reduce administrative burdens on providers, increase consumer understanding of and compliance with appropriate use of prescription drugs, help to control increases in consumer and state health care spending, and improve prescription drug purchasing through a sound evidence-based process that evaluates the therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness of prescription drugs; and

(2) Develop a program to promote access to affordable prescription drug coverage to low-income aged or disabled persons who do not otherwise have adequate coverage to purchase necessary and appropriate prescription drugs.

Creates the prescription drug quality improvement and purchasing board within the authority.

Establishes a program to be known as the medicaid prescription drug assistance program. Neither the benefits of, nor eligibility for, the program is considered to be an entitlement. To the extent funds are appropriated specifically for this purpose, and subject to any conditions placed on appropriations made for this purpose, the department shall design and administer the medicaid prescription drug assistance program.

Requires the administrator to, directly or by interagency agreement or contract, establish and operate a statewide senior prescription drug information clearinghouse. The clearinghouse shall: (1) Promote access to necessary prescription drugs for persons over age sixty-five who reside in Washington state;

(2) Make information available on a statewide basis regarding private and public programs that provide financial assistance to seniors for the purchase of prescription drugs;

(3) Provide educational information about the preferred drug list and methods to purchase prescription drugs most cost-effectively and efficiently, including information about generic drugs and the potential for dangerous drug interactions; and

(4) Provide individual education and assistance regarding prescription drug financial assistance programs.

Provides that, prior to July 1, 2005, the administrator shall provide for an evaluation of the effectiveness and potential continuation of the clearinghouse.

Declares that nothing in this act preempts state-owned or managed hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW from aggregate purchasing through other programs. These hospitals may choose to participate in the preferred drug list program under this act if drugs can be obtained at lower cost.

Declares that the therapeutic consultation service operated by the department of social and health services, with the exception of the intensive benefits management and academic detailing components of the program, expires on July 1, 2004.