Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1271
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: Regarding dispensing and administration of drugs to registered or licensed veterinary personnel.
Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Finn, Crouse, Green, Liias, Springer, O'Brien, Goodman, Morris, Ormsby, Blake, Van De Wege, Moeller, Cody, Conway, Hurst, Walsh, McCune, Hinkle, Nelson and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/09
Staff: Anna Jackson (786-7190)
Background:
Veterinary personnel
A veterinary technician is a person who is licensed by the Washington Veterinary Board of Governors (the Board) after meeting certain statutory requirements [RCW 18.92.015(5)]. These requirements include passing an examination administered by the Board and completing a post-high school course approved by the Board, or having five years' practical experience, acceptable to the Board, with a licensed veterinarian [RCW 18.92.128].
A veterinary medication clerk is a person who has satisfactorily completed a Board-approved training program designed to teach certain nondiscretionary functions used in dispensing of legend and nonlegend drugs, except controlled substances [RCW 18.92.015(4)].
Currently, a veterinarian legally prescribing drugs may delegate certain nondiscretionary functions used in dispensing legend and nonlegend drugs, except controlled substances, to a licensed veterinary technician or a veterinary medication clerk while under the veterinarian's direct supervision [RCW 18.92.013]. Direct supervision means the veterinarian is on the premises and is quickly and easily available, while indirect supervision means the veterinarian is not on the premises but has given written or oral instructions for the delegated task [RCW 18.92.013].
Legend drugs and controlled substances
Legend drugs are any drugs that are required by state law or by regulation of the state board of pharmacy to be dispensed by prescription only or are restricted to use by practitioners only [RCW 69.41.010(12)]. Controlled substances are drugs, substances, or immediate precursors included in Schedules I through V in federal or state laws [RCW 69.50.101(d)].
Summary of Bill:
Controlled substances are added to an existing list of drugs that a veterinarian legally prescribing drugs is permitted to delegate a licensed veterinary technician under the veterinarian's indirect supervision to dispense.
A licensed veterinary technician is allowed to administer legend drugs and controlled substances under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.