Brief Description: Authorizing the state board of pharmacy to regulate nonresident Canadian pharmacies.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, O'Brien, Cody, Campbell, Moeller, P. Sullivan, Chase, Flannigan, McCoy, Sells, Simpson, Darneille, Hasegawa, McIntire, Murray, McDermott, Morrell, Green, Schual-Berke, Kagi, Kessler, Dickerson, Kenney, Hankins, Conway, Lantz, Ormsby, Wallace and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 1/25/05

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

The Department of Health currently licenses pharmacies located in Washington state, and out-of-state pharmacies that provide services to Washington residents. The Department maintains reciprocal licensing agreements with other State's pharmacy licensing authorities. The Department does not license pharmacies located in foreign countries.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Health will license any Canadian pharmacy that ships, mails, or delivers prescription drugs to Washington residents. If the Department is unable to develop a reciprocal licensing agreement with Health Canada or a Canadian province, it will license participating Canadian pharmacies through on-site inspection and certification.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/20/05.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.