Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2829
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: Authorizing a privately funded prescription monitoring program.
Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Cody, Morrell, Green, Driscoll and Clibborn.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/10
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
In 2007, The Legislature directed the Department of Health (DOH) to implement a prescription drug monitoring program to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of all schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances, when sufficient funds were obtained to operate the program. The program objectives include improving quality and effectiveness by reducing abuse of controlled substances; reducing duplicative prescribing and over-prescribing of controlled substances; and improving prescribing practices, with the goal of creating an electronic database available in real time for all dispensers and prescribers of controlled substances. The DOH has been unable to obtain funding to begin operation of the program.
Summary of Bill:
The DOH is authorized to receive proposals for a privately funded prescription monitoring program between January 1st and March 30th of each year. By July 1st the Secretary of Health (Secretary) must complete a review of any submitted proposals and determine whether a proposal should be selected to operate a prescription monitoring program. The Secretary is given the authority to select a privately funded prescription monitoring program, change programs at the annual review, or renew the authorization for a privately funded prescription monitoring program that is currently in place.
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.