SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 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 of February 19, 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: Senators Cleveland, Schlicher, Benton, Baumgartner, Keiser, Shin and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/18/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: State law permits some out of state health care providers to write prescriptions for controlled substances that may be filled by Washington State pharmacies. These health care providers include physicians, osteopathic physicians, dentists, podiatric physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Physician assistants may prescribe controlled substances if specifically approved to do so by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission.
Summary of Bill: Under the controlled substances act, the definition of practitioner is modified to include physician assistants and osteopathic physician assistants. Washington State pharmacies are permitted to fill prescriptions for controlled substances that are written by out of state physician assistants and osteopathic physician assistants.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Border communities face unique challenges and barriers to health care. This bill will address the needs of border communities by allowing physician assistants to prescribe for Washington State residents and permitting those residents to get their prescriptions filled in their communities. Currently, patients seen by physician assistants cannot get their prescriptions filled in Washington. This shows the same professional courtesy for physician assistants that the other prescribing health care professionals are provided under current law.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Cleveland, prime sponsor; Linda Dale, WA Academy of Physician Assistants; Carl Nelson, WA Assn. of Physician Assistants, WA State Medical Assn.