HOUSE BILL REPORT

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by Committee)

Directs the Department of Health to collaborate with the Veterinary Board of Governors to develop alternative requirements for reporting data to the prescription drug monitoring program.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.

Background:

The Department of Health maintains a prescription drug 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.

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Summary of Amended Bill:

Veterinarians are exempt from reporting requirements applicable to other dispensing health care practitioners under the prescription drug monitoring program. The Department of Health, in collaboration with the Veterinary Board of Governors, shall adopt alternative reporting requirements for veterinarians. The alternative reporting requirements shall allow veterinarians to report: (1) either electronically or non-electronically; (2) only data relevant to veterinary practices and the public protection goals of the prescription drug monitoring program; and (3) no more frequently than once every three months and no less than once every six months.

It is specified that reporting requirements for dispensers applies to drug prescriptions for use for more than one day.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

The amended bill directs the Department of Health to collaborate with the Veterinary Board of Governors to adopt alternative reporting requirements for veterinarians. The alternative reporting requirements must allow veterinarians to report: (1) by either electronic or non-electronic methods; (2) only data relevant to veterinary practices and the public protection goals of the prescription drug monitoring program; and (3) no more frequently than once every three months and no less than once every six months.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Many veterinarians have complained that they rarely dispense controlled substances and yet are still required to report to the prescription drug monitoring program every week. The prescription drug monitoring program is intended to eliminate the risk of "doc hopping," which does not exist in the veterinary practice. The program is also intended to promote patient safety and animals are incapable of abusing drugs. The dosages that veterinarians use are so small that they do not present a risk to humans. The program is written so specifically to human patients that the requirements become awkward when applied to animal patients.

(Opposed) None.