SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6105
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 Amended by House, February 27, 2012
Title: An act relating to the prescription monitoring program.
Brief Description: Concerning the prescription monitoring program.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Hatfield, Conway, Becker, Keiser and Shin).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/16/12, 1/19/12 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 1/27/12, 44-0.Passed House: 2/27/12, 96-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6105 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Frockt, Kline, Parlette and Pridemore.
Staff: Veronica Warnock (786-7490)
Background: In 2007 legislation was enacted requiring the Department of Health (DOH) to implement a prescription drug monitoring program to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of schedule II through V controlled substances. Under the program, dispensers must electronically report information to DOH about each prescription dispensed. Dispensers include practitioners or pharmacies that deliver schedule II through V controlled substances to the ultimate user. The data submission requirements of this program do not apply to medications administered in single doses to patients receiving inpatient services or to medications dispensed to offenders in Department of Corrections institutions.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Veterinarians licensed under chapter 18.92 RCW are exempted from the data submission requirements of the prescription drug monitoring program.
The reporting requirements for dispensers apply to drug prescriptions that are for more than one day use.
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 on Original Bill: PRO: Veterinarians prescribe controlled substances on a very limited basis. Many veterinarian practices are small one doctor offices that are not computerized or do not have the software necessary to electronically report. There are other safeguards in place which will prevent controlled substances prescribed by veterinarians from getting in the wrong hands. More than 45 percent of states with prescription monitoring programs do not require veterinarians to report.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Parlette, prime sponsor; Dr. Mike Bellinghausen, Greg Hanon, WA State Veterinary Medical Assn.
House Amendment(s): The Department of Health, in collaboration with the Veterinary Board of Governors, must adopt alternative reporting requirements for veterinarians. The alternative reporting requirements must allow veterinarians to report: (1) either electronically or non-electronically; (2) only data relevant to veterinary practices and the public protection goals of the prescription drug monitoring program; and (3) no more frequently than once every three months and no less than once every six months.