HB 1316-S2 - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/18/05)

Requires that, by September 1, 2005, the board shall, in consultation with the department and the health care authority, submit a waiver request to the federal food and drug administration that will authorize the state of Washington to license Canadian prescription drug wholesalers under RCW 18.64.046, thereby providing retail pharmacies licensed in Washington state the opportunity to purchase prescription drugs from approved Canadian wholesalers and pass those savings on to consumers.

Provides that, by December 1, 2005, the board, in consultation with the department and the health care authority, shall submit a detailed implementation plan to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature that details the mechanisms that the board will use to implement each component of the waiver under this act.

Provides that, if the board is unable to develop a licensing agreement with Health Canada or an applicable Canadian province, the board shall develop a process to license participating Canadian wholesalers through on-site inspection and certification.