HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2694
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to educating prescribers and dispensers of prescription drugs regarding evidence-based treatment and the use of generic drugs.
Brief Description: Establishing a prescription drug professional education program.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell and Conway.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/21/08, 1/28/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Campbell, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta and DeBolt.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
The Health Care Authority (HCA) in 2005 was given authority to establish a prescription
drug purchasing consortium based on the evidence-based prescription drug program. State-purchased health care programs purchase prescription drugs through this consortium. The
HCA was directed to explore joint purchasing opportunities with other states. In addition to
reviewing the purchase of prescription drugs, Washington has also applied the principles of
evidence-based care and cost effective purchasing to the review of medical devices and
procedures. This is for state-purchased health care programs through the health technology
assessment program.
Summary of Bill:
The HCA will create a Prescription Drug Professional Education (PDPE) Program. The goal
of the PDPE Program is to promote evidence-based treatment and the use of evidence-based
prescriptions by health care practitioners participating in state purchased health care
programs. These programs include: medical and health care, pharmaceuticals, and medical
equipment purchased with state and federal funds by the Department of Social and Health
Services; the Department of Health; the Basic Health Plan; the Health Care Authority; the
Department of Labor and Industries; the Department of Corrections; the Department of
Veterans Affairs; and local school districts.
The HCA will design the PDPE Program with state agencies administering state purchased
health care programs as well as consult with national experts. The PDPE Program will
include education and outreach to prescribers. The PDPE Program will also include a report
card to each prescriber comparing their practices to evidence-based practice standards. The
HCA will annually report to the Legislature the impact the PDPE Program is having on
prescribing practices and the fiscal impact on state-funded health care programs.
The HCA will establish the PDPE Program by January 1, 2009 and begin its annual reporting
to the Legislature starting January 10, 2010.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Prescribers need access to objective, unbiased information on the efficacy of
prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical marketers try to get prescribers to prescribe their newer
more expensive drugs.
(Opposed) Pharmaceutical companies perform an important role in providing information to
prescribers on new and emerging prescription drugs. This education program will be
expensive and no funding source is identified.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Morrell, prime sponsor.
(Opposed) Cliff Webster, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America; and
Amber Carter, Association of Washington Business.