Title: An act relating to the prescription drug assistance foundation.

Brief Description: Increasing the membership of the prescription drug assistance foundation.

Sponsors: Senators Brown, Swecker, Marr and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/31/08, 2/4/08 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/15/08, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Marr.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation (foundation) assists low-income, uninsured individuals in obtaining free or low cost prescription drugs. The foundation helps individuals access the various prescription drug assistance programs offered by manufacturers by assisting qualified residents with filling out applications for free or low cost drugs. The foundation also raises private dollars to assist in achieving its goal.

There are a total of five foundation board members. These individuals are selected by the Governor and serve three-year terms. Board members must represent the interests of those who don't have prescription drug coverage, and must possess expertise in business management and not-for-profit organization administration. No General Fund-State funds are used for the ongoing operation of the foundation.

Summary of Bill: The Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation, Board of Directors membership is increased from five to 11 members.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a worthwhile program; we see adding board members as a way to expand the program to other parts of the state.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Lisa Brown, prime sponsor, Holly Detzler, Communities Connect; Kristen West, Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation.