Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2512
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: Including pharmacists in the legend drug act.
Sponsors: Representatives Harris, Kelley, Rivers, Appleton, Dahlquist, Cody and Buys.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/12
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Pharmacists are regulated by the Board of Pharmacy (Board). They are authorized to interpret prescription orders; compound, dispense, label, administer, and distribute drugs; monitor drug therapy; participate in drug utilization reviews and drug product selection; store, distribute, and maintain records of drugs and devices; and provide information on legend drugs. In addition, pharmacists may initiate drug therapy in accordance with a collaborative drug therapy agreement (CDTA).
A CDTA is a set of written guidelines or protocols established by a health care practitioner who is authorized to prescribe drugs in which authority is delegated to a pharmacist to conduct specific prescribing functions. Among the health care practitioners that may prescribe drugs are physicians, osteopathic physicians, optometrists, dentists, podiatric physicians, veterinarians, certain registered nurses, and advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Summary of Bill:
Licensed pharmacists may prescribe legend drugs when authorized by the Board of Pharmacy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.