FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1558

                                  C 369 L 89

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Inslee, P. King, Van Luven, Appelwick, Beck, Wineberry, Wood, Rector, Smith, Brekke, Baugher, Winsley, Leonard, Todd, Ballard, Nutley, Rayburn, Jacobsen, Hankins, Braddock, Grant, Locke, Brumsickle, Jesernig, Wang, Betrozoff, Wolfe, Brough, Horn, Basich, Bowman and Ferguson)

Regulating use of steroids.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Steroids are synthetic derivatives of male hormones that are used by some athletes to build up muscles.  The use of steroids has been linked to serious side effects such as mood swings, severe ache, baldness, sterility, abnormal liver function, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and possibly cancer of the liver.

The increase in the use of steroids, especially among teenage boys, has been alarming.  A recent study indicated that as many as half a million teenage boys may be using steroids, primarily for body building purposes.  Further, most of these drugs are procured through illegal sources.

Steroids are regulated as prescription drugs.

SUMMARY:

The term "steroids" is more specifically defined to include anabolic steroids of specified chemical derivatives, androgens, or human growth hormones.  The Board of Pharmacy must specify, by rule, drugs to be classified as steroids and inform the Legislature of such decisions by December 1 of each year.

Practitioners are prohibited from prescribing steroids solely for the purpose of enhancing athletic ability without a medical necessity to do so, and must maintain patient medical records showing the diagnosis and purpose of any prescription for steroids.  A violation of this requirement is a gross misdemeanor.

Possession of up to 200 tablets or eight 2cc bottles of steroids without a prescription is punishable as a gross misdemeanor.  Possession of greater amounts is punishable as a Class C felony.

Public schools must post signs on the premises of athletic departments advising students of the health risks of using steroids to enhance athletic ability and the penalties for illegal possession provided by law.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction and the regents or trustees of each institution of higher education must promulgate rules by January 1, 1990 regarding loss of eligibility to participate in school-sponsored athletic events for any student found to have violated the laws relating to the use or possession of steroids.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 97   0

      Senate    44     0 (Senate amended)

      House             (House refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

      Senate    44     0

      House 84   0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989