Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2689
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 electronic communication of prescription information.
Sponsors: Representatives Slatter, DeBolt, Cody and Jinkins; by request of Department of Health.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/23/18
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
A provider may electronically send a prescription for legend drugs or controlled substances to a pharmacy. The electronic system must comply with requirements relating to the form, content, recordkeeping, and processing of prescriptions and must be approved by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC). Electronic prescription drug orders are confidential health information. The pharmacist in charge must establish or verify the existence of policies and procedures that ensure the integrity and confidentiality of electronically transmitted prescription information. All managers, employees, and agents of the pharmacy must read, sign, and comply with the policies and procedures.
Summary of Bill:
The following requirements are eliminated:
Electronic prescription systems must be approved by the PQAC.
The pharmacist in charge must establish or verify the existence of policies and procedures ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of electronically transmitted prescription information.
All managers, employees, and agents of the pharmacy must read, sign, and comply with the policies and procedures.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.