| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
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.
Brief Description: Establishing a prescription drug professional education program.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell and Conway.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/21/08
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, the State of 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 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 state 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, and HCA will consult with national experts. The PDPE program will include
education and outreach to prescribers. The 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 report 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.