SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 235

BYRepresentatives Fisch, Jacobsen, Dellwo, Hargrove, Haugen, Niemi, Fisher, Ebersole, Basich, Belcher, Cole, Jesernig, Lewis, Walker, R. King, Braddock, Lux, P. King, Bumgarner, Unsoeld and Miller

Legalizing the possession of drugs prescribed by out-of-state physicians.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1987; March 25, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  March 27, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 25 1987

BACKGROUND:

Under current law, prescriptions must be written by health practitioners licensed in this state or in bordering states before legend drugs may be dispensed to patients.  Legend drugs are those drugs which cannot be dispensed by a pharmacist without a prescription.

SUMMARY:

Physicians and osteopathic physicians licensed in any state of the United States are authorized to write prescriptions which can be dispensed in the state of Washington.  However, it is unlawful to fill prescriptions which are more than six months old written by out-of-state physicians.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Richard Fisch, prime sponsor; Representative Art Sprenkle; Jerry Farley, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; Dr. Marilyn Slotfeldt, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists; Jerry Hogan, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists; Darlene Burgess, Group Health Cooperative; Mike Ryherd, Washington State Medical Association; Dr. Richard Seaman, Washington State Medical Association