SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6402

BYSenators West, Niemi and Conner; by request of Department of Health

Continuing the board of pharmacy and modifying licensures.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6402 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

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

                  February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE, FEBRUARY 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Legislative Budget Committee sunset review of the Pharmacy Board recommended continuation of the board with most of its current functions and organization within the Department of Health.  It recommended eliminating the arming of board enforcement officers and changing the technical status of pharmacy assistant level A's from certified to licensed.  It also recommended terminating the Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee and transferring the coordination of statewide drug abuse programs to the Governor's office, with the board still being responsible for education efforts and monitoring of trends related to licit drugs.

SUMMARY:

Pharmacy assistant level A is redefined from "certified" to "licensed" and pharmacy assistant level B is redefined from "certified" to "registered."  Other changes are made consistent with those terms.  The Interdepartmental Coordinating Committee on Drug Misuse and all of its coordinating functions are eliminated.  Requirements that the board monitor trends of, conduct or encourage educational programs about, and suggest strategies for preventing, reducing, and eliminating drug misuse, diversion, and abuse are retained.  The requirement that the board enter into written agreements with all other state and federal agencies relative to drug misuse, diversion, and abuse is continued.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The redefinition of pharmacy assistant A to licensed and associated changes is deleted to retain the current terminology of "certified" for pharmacy assistants.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Joyce Gillie, WA State Board of Pharmacy (pro); Charles James, WA State Board of Pharmacy (pro); Lars Hennum, Pharmacists of WA (pro)