Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SSB 6105
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: Concerning the prescription monitoring program.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Hatfield, Conway, Becker, Keiser and Shin).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/12
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Department of Health maintains a prescription monitoring program that observes prescribing practices related to controlled substances as well as other drugs that demonstrate a potential for abuse (covered drugs). Health care providers who dispense covered drugs must electronically report specified information to the program within a week of delivery to the user of the drug. The reporting requirement applies to prescriptions for more than immediate one-day use. The information in the prescription drug monitoring program is confidential except for specified releases, including release to health care providers that are authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances.
The program exempts medications dispensed to patients receiving inpatient services at hospitals; patients receiving services at hospital clinics and day surgery facilities when the medications are administered in single doses; and Department of Corrections pharmacies that serve offenders in institutions.
Summary of Bill:
Veterinarians are exempt from reporting requirements under the Department of Health's prescription drug monitoring program.
It is specified that reporting requirements for dispensers applies to drug prescriptions for use for more than one day.
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.