Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 2588

Brief Description:  Modifying the information required on a prescription label.

Sponsors:  Representatives Skinner and Cody.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Updates the information required on a prescription label and allows the identification of the licensed pharmacist responsible for dispensing the medication to be recorded either in the pharmacy's record system or on the prescription label.

Hearing Date:  2/1/02

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

The statutory requirements related to information contained on a prescription label have not been modified since 1984.  In addition to providing information about the dispensed drug, the prescriber, and the dispensing pharmacy, the pharmacist who dispenses the medication must initial the prescription label.  Many pharmacies have moved to electronic record keeping systems.

Summary of Bill:

Updates the information required on a prescription label and allows the identification of the licensed pharmacist responsible for dispensing the medication to be recorded either in the pharmacy's record system or on the prescription label.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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