HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5524
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:
April 3, 2013
Title: An act relating to authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by physician assistants in other states.
Brief Description: Authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by physician assistants in other states.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Cleveland, Schlicher, Benton, Baumgartner, Keiser, Shin and Kline).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/21/13, 3/26/13 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 4/3/13, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Manweller, Moeller, Morrell, Riccelli, Rodne, Ross, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
It is unlawful to possess, deliver, or dispense a legend drug or controlled substance except pursuant to a prescription issued by health care professionals with prescriptive authority who are licensed in Washington; e.g., physicians, dentists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Additionally, Washington pharmacies may honor prescriptions written by the following out-of-state professionals:
physicians;
osteopathic physicians and surgeons;
dentists;
advanced registered nurse practitioners;
podiatric physicians and surgeons; and
veterinarians.
Summary of Bill:
A Washington pharmacy may honor prescriptions for legend drugs or controlled substances written by an out-of-state medical assistant or osteopathic medical assistant. With respect to controlled substances, the out-of-state medical assistant or osteopathic medical assistant must be specifically approved to provide controlled substances by his or her state's medical quality assurance commission (or equivalent) and his or her supervising physician.
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) Border communities face unique challenges. This bill allows Washington residents who receive health care in other states to have their prescriptions filled at home and also allows parity with other out-of-state prescribers.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Cleveland, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.