The bill seeks to enhance the prescriptive authority of pharmacists in Washington State to mitigate the provider shortage, especially in rural and underserved areas. It recognizes pharmacists as qualified healthcare professionals with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and extensive patient care experience. The legislation authorizes pharmacists to prescribe medications and devices based on their education and training, thereby improving patient access and health outcomes. Key amendments include the modification of RCW 18.64.011, allowing pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe drugs and devices, and the amendment of RCW 69.41.030 to eliminate previous restrictions on pharmacists' prescribing capabilities under collaborative drug therapy agreements.

Additionally, the bill clarifies regulations surrounding the sale, delivery, possession, and use of legend drugs, making it unlawful to sell or possess these drugs in public without a valid prescription from authorized healthcare professionals. It removes specific language regarding the extent of pharmacists' dispensing authority based on drug therapy guidelines and emphasizes that violations related to legend drugs are classified as a class B felony, while possession and use in public are misdemeanors, focusing on treatment rather than punishment. The bill also introduces expiration dates for certain provisions, indicating a temporary adjustment to the law for future review. Overall, the legislation aims to better regulate legend drugs while promoting treatment options for minor violations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 69.41.030