SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1486
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 15, 2012
Title: An act relating to authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states.
Brief Description: Authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Jinkins, Cody, Hinkle, Moeller, Bailey, Schmick, Clibborn, Kelley and Condotta.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/11, 92-1; 1/16/12, 91-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/09/11, 3/16/11 [DP]; 2/15/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Frockt, Kline, Parlette and Pridemore.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: It is unlawful to possess, deliver, or dispense a legend drug or controlled substance except pursuant to a prescription issued by health care professionals with prescriptive authority who are licensed in Washington, e.g., physicians, dentists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Additionally, Washington pharmacies may honor prescriptions written by the following professionals from other states: physicians, osteopathic physicians and surgeons, dentists, podiatric physicians and surgeons; and veterinarians. In 2010 the Legislature added out-of-state advanced registered nurse practitioners to this list with respect to legend drugs, but not controlled substances.
Summary of Bill: Washington pharmacies may honor prescriptions written by out-of-state advanced registered nurse practitioners with respect to controlled substances.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help clarify the law and provide good access to all, including seniors who travel and get their health care from advanced registered nurse practitioners. This is a technical fix to a piece of legislation that passed in 2010. People who live near our state's borders can seek prescriptions from out-of-state providers and have them filled at home. Oregon and Idaho fill these prescriptions from our state.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Green, prime sponsor; Tamara Warnke, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners United, WA State Nurses Assn.