SENATE 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 Senate, March 4, 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: 2/18/13, 2/21/13 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/04/13, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5524 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Member; Bailey, Cleveland, Ericksen, Frockt, Parlette and Schlicher.
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 Substitute Bill: Washington State pharmacies are permitted to fill prescriptions for legend drugs and controlled substances that are written by out-of-state physician assistants and osteopathic physician assistants so long as the physician assistants meet the same qualifications for controlled substances prescribing as in-state 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 on Original Bill: 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.