SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6197
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, January 25, 2012
Title: An act relating to including pharmacists in the legend drug act.
Brief Description: Including pharmacists in the legend drug act.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Parlette, Keiser and Becker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/19/12, 1/23/12, 1/25/12 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6197 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Frockt, Kline, Pflug and Pridemore.
Staff: Veronica Warnock (786-7490)
Background: Pursuant to the Legend Drug Act it is unlawful to possess, deliver, or dispense a legend drug except in accordance with a prescription issued by specified health care professionals. The health care professionals who have authority to prescribe legend drugs are enumerated in RCW 69.41.030. The extent of the authority to prescribe legend drugs is set forth in the laws or rules governing each health profession. Currently, pursuant to chapter 18.64 RCW and WAC 246-863-100, licensed pharmacists have authority to prescribe legend drugs with a collaborative agreement but are not included in the Legend Drug Act.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Pharmacists licensed in Washington State are added to the Legend Drug Act.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Identifies the specific provision in chapter 18.64 RCW which grants pharmacists the authority to dispense legend drugs.
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: This bill fixes a technical oversight by including pharmacists in the legend drug act. It does not expand the scope of practice or prescriptive authority of pharmacists.
CON: Bill creates new authority for pharmacists. For bill to fall in line with its intent it need to reference the specific RCW that provides pharmacists with dispensing authority.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Holly Chisa, NW Grocery Assn.; Dedi Hitchens, Jeff Rochon, WAState Pharmacy Assn.
CON: Carl Nelson, WA State Medical Assn.; Cliff Webster, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.