HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6627

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 Passed House:

March 2, 2010

Title: An act relating to authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states or in certain provinces of Canada.

Brief Description: Authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states or in certain provinces of Canada.

Sponsors: Senators Marr, Pflug, Keiser, Benton, Franklin, Fairley, Schoesler, Pridemore, Roach and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/18/10, 2/23/10 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/2/10, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Grants prescriptive authority to Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners in other states.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

It is unlawful for any person, including a licensed Pharmacist, to sell, deliver, or possess any legend drug (i.e., a drug that may be dispensed by prescription only) except pursuant to a prescription issued by one of the following health care professionals licensed in Washington:

Additionally, a person may lawfully sell, deliver, or possess a legend drug pursuant to a prescription issued by the following professionals in another state or British Columbia:

Summary of Bill:

A person may lawfully sell, deliver, or possess any legend drug pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner in another state or British Columbia.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a consumer access to care issue. When consumers go to other states, they sometimes come back to Washington with a prescription from an out-of-state Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner that cannot be filled locally. This bill will ensure that prescriptions from out-of-state Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners will be honored in Washington.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Tamara Warnke and Louise Kaplan, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners United of Washington State.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.