Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SSB 5293
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 Description: Concerning the use of hydrocodone products by licensed optometrists in Washington state.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Senators Becker, Keiser, Rivers, Conway, Dammeier, Hobbs, Angel, Frockt, Bailey, Ericksen, Mullet and Benton).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/17/15
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Optometrist Prescriptive Authority.
Optometry consists of the examination of the human eye, the examination and ascertaining of any defects of the human vision system, and the analysis of the process of vision. In order to be licensed as an optometrist, a person must complete his or her high school education, graduate from an accredited school of optometry, and pass an examination.
A licensed optometrist may prescribe certain oral Schedule III-V controlled substances and oral legend drugs. The optometrist may only prescribe the drugs as appropriate for the treatment of diseases or conditions of the human eye and the adnexa that are within the scope of practice of optometry. An optometrist may not:
prescribe, dispense, or administer more than a seven-day supply of a controlled substance;
prescribe, dispense, or administer an oral drug within 90 days of an ophthalmic surgery without consulting the treating ophthalmologist;
use, prescribe, dispense, purchase, possess, or administer a Schedule I or II controlled substance; or
use, prescribe, dispense, or administer oral corticosteroids.
Hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone combination drugs were recently moved from Schedule III to Schedule II by the federal government.
Summary of Bill:
The Optometry Board may add Schedule II hydrocodone combination products to the list of drugs an optometrist may use, prescribe, dispense, purchase, possess, or administer.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.