FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6627

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: Authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states or in certain provinces of Canada.

Sponsors: Senators Marr, Pflug, Keiser, Benton, Franklin, Fairley, Schoesler, Pridemore, Roach and Parlette.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Background: Current law authorizes pharmacists to accept prescriptions from physicians, osteopaths, dentists, podiatrists, and veterinarians licensed in any state or province of Canada that shares a common border with Washington State. Prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) in these areas cannot be filled by pharmacists. This mostly impacts residents of Clark and Spokane counties who may cross into Oregon or Idaho to seek health care. When they return home and need prescriptions or refills from their own pharmacies, they are denied if the practitioner was an ARNP from another state or a province of Canada.

Summary: Pharmacists are authorized to accept prescriptions written by a licensed ARNP in any province of Canada or state of the United States that shares a common border with the state of Washington.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46	0
House	96	0