SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1609
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 Care, March 21, 2013
Title: An act relating to the board of pharmacy.
Brief Description: Renaming the board of pharmacy.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Cody and Ryu.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/13, 90-7.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 3/19/13, 3/21/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Member; Bailey, Cleveland, Ericksen, Frockt, Parlette and Schlicher.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: The Board of Pharmacy has a variety of functions, including the licensing of pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and pharmacy technicians, and enforcing and regulating legend drugs and controlled substances. The Board of Pharmacy consists of seven members, five of whom must be licensed pharmacists and two of whom must be members of the public.
Summary of Bill: The Board of Pharmacy is renamed the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (Commission). References to the Board of Pharmacy are changed to the Commission throughout the Revised Code of Washington.
Membership of the Commission is increased from seven members to 15 members. Ten members must be pharmacists, four members must be members of the public, and one member must be a pharmacy technician.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except for section 45 which takes effect July 1, 2016.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will increase the number of members of the Board of Pharmacy to help them address their increased workload and help in the backlog of work that needs to be done. The Board of Pharmacy affects many different programs and this will help to support the responsibilities of the board. The Board of Pharmacy is consistently involved in professional regulation, discipline, and licensing. The bill will help them to be more efficient in their work. This will improve resources of the Board of Pharmacy and provide a broader representation of board members. The Board of Pharmacy has more work to address than most commissions.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Schmick, prime sponsor; Jeff Rochon, Don Williams, WA State Pharmacists Assn.