Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2448
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 practice of certain East Asian medicine therapies.
Sponsors: Representatives Robinson, Harris and Stanford.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/20/16
Staff: Ariele Landstrom (786-7190).
Background:
East Asian Medicine.
"East Asian medicine" is defined as a health care service utilizing East Asian medicine diagnosis and treatment to promote health and treat organic or functional disorders. The term identifies several techniques, therapies, and treatments, including point injection therapy (aquapuncture). Point injection therapy is not defined in statute or rule, but generally, is the injection of substances into acupuncture points to prevent or treat diseases.
Legend Drugs.
It is unlawful to sell, deliver, or possess any legend drug except upon the order or prescription of specified health care professionals; however there is an exemption for a practitioner acting within the scope of his or her license.
"Legend drugs" is defined as any drugs which are required by state law or rule of the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) to be dispensed on prescription only or are restricted to use by practitioners only. The PQAC determines which drugs are classified as legend drugs, which are those designated under federal law and listed as legend drugs in the 2009 edition of the Drug Topics Red Book.
Summary of Bill:
Point injection therapy includes injection of substances consistent with the practice of East Asian medicine and does not include injection of controlled substances or steroids. The Department of Health, in consultation with the East Asian Medicine Advisory Committee, must define point injection therapy in rule and adopt rules regarding substances administered as part of point injection therapy consistent with the practice of East Asian medicine.
East Asian medicine practitioners are added to the definition of "practitioner" for purposes of the Legend Drug Act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.