SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5772

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators West, Kreidler, von Reichbauer, Stratton, Anderson, Benitz, Nelson, Niemi, McDonald and Bailey)

Regarding out-of-state pharmacies.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1989; February 23, 1989; January 25, 1990

Senate Staff:Greg Miller (786-7784)

AS OF JANUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Pharmacies in other states providing prescription drugs to Washington residents through the mail are not regulated by the Board of Pharmacy.  Therefore, they are not required to meet any of Washington's standards in dispensing drugs.  There is concern that the Washington consumer-patient's health is not adequately protected.

SUMMARY:

A nonresident pharmacy may ship, mail, or deliver prescription drugs to this state only if it is registered with the board and operates in a manner which meets or exceeds the Washington State pharmacy operation standards.

It must maintain readily retrievable records of controlled substances, legend drugs, or devices dispensed to patients in this state.  A toll-free telephone service must be provided to assure that patients in this state may talk with the out-of- state pharmacist who has access to their records.

The board may revoke, deny, or suspend a nonresident pharmacy registration for failure to comply with any requirements of this act, or for conduct which causes serious bodily or psychological injury if it determines that the pharmacy operated below Washington standards.

A nonresident pharmacy not registered in this state may not advertise its services here.  A state resident may not advertise the services of an unregistered nonresident pharmacy if it is likely to induce residents to fill prescriptions with that pharmacy.  The board may promulgate rules to implement this act.

Contractors or organizations providing coverage of prescription drugs from an out- of-state pharmacy shall submit the name and location of that pharmacy in writing to the board so it may determine whether it is registered and Washington State standards are met.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 8, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Williams