SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6192

BYSenators West, Stratton, McCaslin and Kreidler

Revising provisions for substitution of generic drugs.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 11, 1990; January 16, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Gregory M. Miller (786-7784)

                  February 5, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 5, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Pharmacists may substitute generic drugs for more expensive name brand prescriptions when the prescribing provider designates whether the substitution is permitted on a two-line prescription form.  This requirement applies to both in-state and out-of-state prescriptions.  A number of other states, including Oregon, permit generic substitution but do not require or use two-line prescription forms.  Washington pharmacists who fill Oregon prescriptions therefore cannot legally substitute lower cost generic drugs.  Although the Pharmacy Board has not received complaints about generic substitution by local pharmacies in border areas to date, upon complaint, it will enforce the law as to any regional-service mail-order pharmacies that may be established.

SUMMARY:

Pharmacists may substitute equivalent generic drugs for out-of-state prescriptions where the state of origin uses a one-line prescription form or its equivalent, unless the prescription indicates that substitutions are not permitted.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Moore, Health Care Authority (pro); Lars Hennum; Robert Marotta; Don Williams, Board of Pharmacy