SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5559

                    As of February 22, 1999

Title:  An act relating to administering atypical antipsychotic medications.

Brief Description:  Administering atypical antipsychotic medications.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove and Long.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  2/23/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Joan K. Mell (786-7447)

Background:  Pharmaceutical companies have developed atypical antipsychotic medications that have fewer long-term debilitating side effects than typical medications that have been in use for a number of years.  The atypical antipsychotics are available, but are expensive.  Pharmaceutical budgets for various mental health service providers have been insufficient to meet the demand.  Further, the atypical medications have not reached the populations that would benefit dramatically from the drugs because people have been unable to access services where the medications could be prescribed.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services must develop a method for distributing funds appropriated for atypical antipsychotic medications to persons in crisis who are not Medicaid qualified; working poor who are not Medicaid eligible; persons transitioning from jail to Medicaid eligibility; and persons in jail.

Appropriated funds are to be distributed separate from the regional support network funding formula.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 19, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.