BILL REQ. #:  Z-0341.1 

Read first time 01/17/2003.   Referred to Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife.

     AN ACT Relating to the use of controlled substances by the department of fish and wildlife; adding a new section to chapter 69.50 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the department of fish and wildlife is responsible for the proper management of the state's diverse wildlife resources. Wildlife management often requires the department of fish and wildlife to immobilize individual animals in order for the animals to be moved, treated, examined, or for other legitimate purposes. The legislature finds that it is often necessary for the department to use certain controlled substances to accomplish these purposes. Therefore, the legislature finds that the department of fish and wildlife, in coordination with the board of pharmacy, should be enabled to use approved controlled substances in order to accomplish its legitimate wildlife management goals.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 69.50 RCW to read as follows:
     The department of fish and wildlife may apply to the department for registration pursuant to the applicable provisions of this chapter to purchase, possess, and administer controlled substances for use in chemical capture programs. The department of fish and wildlife may not permit a person to administer controlled substances unless the person has demonstrated adequate knowledge of the potential hazards and proper techniques to be used in administering controlled substances.
     The department may issue a limited registration to carry out the provisions of this section. The board may adopt rules to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of this section. The board, in consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, may by rule add or remove additional controlled substances for use in chemical capture programs. The board may suspend or revoke registration upon determination that the person administering controlled substances has not demonstrated adequate knowledge as required by this section. This authority is granted in addition to any other power to suspend or revoke registration as provided by law.