HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1759
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care
Title: An act relating to the sale of hypodermic syringes.
Brief Description: Allowing for the sale of hypodermic syringes and needles to reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases.
Sponsors: Representatives Darneille, Schual‑Berke, McDermott, Santos, Murray, Tokuda and Wood.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care: 2/22/01, 2/27/01 [DPS].
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Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
$Allows access to sterile syringes as a way to reduce the spread of blood-borne infections.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Skinner, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander, Ballasiotes, Conway, Darneille, Edmonds, Edwards, Marine, McMorris, Pennington and Ruderman.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786‑7146).
Background:
Approximately 41,000 injection drug users live in Washington. Injection drug users are at high risk of blood borne infections, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C virus. They account for approximately 21 percent of the state=s acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases. The sharing of syringes leads to the transmission of these debilitating and costly diseases.
Current state law prohibits a pharmacist from selling clean syringes unless they can satisfy themself that the device will be used for the legal use intended.
In 2000, the Governor=s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and the Governor=s Council on Substance Abuse issued a joint report entitled: Prevention of Blood-Borne Infections. The report recommended allowing access to sterile syringes as a way to reduce the spread of blood-borne infections among injection drug users. Other specific recommendations include:
1.Amend RCW 70.115.050 and RCW 69.50.4121 to allow for the pharmaceutical sale of sterile syringes.
a.Sales limited to 10 syringes.
b.Sales limited to individuals at lest 18 years old.
c.Pharmacists should be required to provide drug prevention and treatment materials at the point of sale.
2.Amend RCW 69.50.421 to allow for the limited possession and sale of sterile syringes for legitimate public health purposes.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
Individuals over 18 years of age may possess up to 10 sterile syringes to reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases. Injection syringe equipment may be distributed through pharmacies. Pharmacists may provide drug prevention and treatment materials at the point of sale. Sterile syringes sold under this act must be designed to reduce the risk of an exposure incident after the syringe has been used.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
Statutory provisions related to the sale of sterile syringes to reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases are separated from the statutes related to the sale of syringes for other health conditions. Pharmacists are not required to sell sterile syringes under this act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The sale of sterile syringes under this bill will reduce the transmission of bloodborne diseases and help the state avoid paying for expensive treatment. The sale of sterile syringes to reduce bloodborne diseases should be separated from the statutes governing sale of sterile syringes to diabetics and others requiring syringes.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Representative Darneille, prime sponsor; Jack Jourden, Department of Health; Don Williams, State Board of Pharmacy; Rod Shafer, Washington State Pharmaceutical Association; and Priscilla Lisicich, Governor=s Council on Substance Abuse.