HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1609

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 History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/14/13, 2/15/13 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/5/13, 90-7.

Passed Senate: 4/9/13, 48-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

Adds new members to the Board of Pharmacy.
Renames the Board of Pharmacy.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Manweller, Morrell, Riccelli, Ross, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

Background:

The Board of Pharmacy has a variety of functions, including the licensing of pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and pharmacy technicians and enforcing and regulating legend drugs and controlled substances. The Board of Pharmacy consists of seven members, five of whom must be licensed pharmacists and two of whom must be members of the public.

Summary of Bill:

The Board of Pharmacy is renamed the "Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission."

The following members are added to the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission: five members who must be licensed pharmacists, two members who must be members of the public, and one member who must be a licensed pharmacy technician.

Effective Date: This bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed, except for section 45 relating to changing the name of the Board of Pharmacy in the Uniform Disciplinary Act, which takes effect July 1, 2016.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Board of Pharmacy has a wide variety of responsibilities, including regulating pharmacies and pharmacy personnel and regulating nonprescription drugs, legend drugs, and controlled substances. The Board of Pharmacy's responsibilities are much broader than other boards and commissions. The Board of Pharmacy used to be an independent agency, but was consolidated with the Department of Health. This consolidation has led to a loss of efficiency due to staff sharing and the limited number of board members. This bill will provide the Board of Pharmacy with more members and resources, which will help prevent pharmacy-related tragedies from happening in Washington.

(Opposed) None.