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

HB 2680

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Reporting gifts from pharmaceutical marketers.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Hasegawa, Morrell, Conway and Simpson.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires every pharmaceutical manufacturer to report every gift, fee, or payment made to health professionals, hospitals, health benefit plan administrator, group purchasing organization or pharmacy benefit manager, or other entity authorized to purchase prescription drugs in the state to the Board of Pharmacy.
  • Failure to comply with the reporting requirement is subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.

Hearing Date: 1/21/08

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

In 2002 the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) adopted a voluntary marketing code to govern the pharmaceutical industry's relationships with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The code addresses topics such as informational presentations, meals, educational and professional meetings, conferences, consultants, speaker training, scholarships, educational items, and practice-related items. Each PhRMA member company is strongly encouraged to adopt procedures to assure adherence to the code.
The Board of Pharmacy does not currently maintain information on any gifts, fees, or payments made by a pharmaceutical manufacturer to individuals or organizations that are authorized to purchase prescription drugs.

Summary of Bill:

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to submit information annually to the Board of Pharmacy about gifts, fees or payments provided to health care professionals, hospitals, health benefit plan administrators, or entities authorized to purchase prescription drugs in Washington. This submission of information is to begin January 1, 2010.

The Board of Pharmacy will report this information to the Legislature and the Governor annually, on or before March 1 of each year and post the following information on its public internet site: the amount of the gift, the date, the purpose, the pharmaceutical manufacturer, and the recipient.

Failure to disclose such information can result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per each violation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.