Title: An act relating to importation of prescription drugs from Canadian wholesalers.

Brief Description: Allowing the importation of certain prescription drugs from Canadian wholesalers.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Schual-Berke, Simpson, Kessler, Morrell, Kilmer, Upthegrove, Clibborn, Hasegawa, Conway, Roberts, Takko, Moeller, Kagi, Dickerson, Campbell and Ormsby; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/05, 54-42.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/23/05, 3/28/05 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Deccio, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Franklin, Kastama, Kline, Parlette and Poulsen.

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: The Department of Health (Department) 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 Amended Bill: The Board of Pharmacy is required to submit a waiver request to the federal Food and Drug Administration authorizing Washington to license Canadian prescription drug wholesalers.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: Adds language clarifying that prescription drugs available for purchase under this legislation are limited to those that are not temperature sensitive, not administered by infusion, and that are available through purchase by individuals.

Removes the requirement that the Board of Pharmacy develop a process to license Canadian wholesalers through on-site inspections if a reciprocal agreement cannot be reached.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This is a good bill that provides financial relief to the people of Washington who need help paying very high costs for prescription drugs. There are some changes that are needed in the language of the bill to ensure the safety of those individuals who will purchase prescription drugs under this legislation.

Testimony Against: It is unsafe and illegal to import drugs from other countries. This is one step closer to price control.

Who Testified: PRO: Christina Hulet, Governor's Office; Dr. Art Zoloth, Northwest Pharmacy Services. OTHER: Steve Gano, Baxter Medical.

CON: Cliff Webster, Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association.