The bill amends RCW 72.09.780 to enhance access to abortion medications by granting the department the authority to acquire, distribute, and dispense these medications. It specifies that the department can engage in activities related to abortion medications for any person, regardless of their custody status, and is exempt from obtaining a wholesaler's license for actions taken under the new law. The department is required to establish a program for the delivery and distribution of abortion medications, ensuring that these are provided only to health care providers and entities that will use them for reproductive health care, including abortion care and management of early pregnancy loss.

Additionally, the bill introduces several insertions to broaden the scope of reproductive health care covered by the definition of abortion medications, which now includes managing the full spectrum of reproductive health care. It also emphasizes coordination with the department of health to prioritize distribution to appropriate health care providers, including Indian health care providers. Notably, the previous requirement that abortion medications be sold at cost plus a fee has been deleted, allowing for more flexibility in the pricing and distribution of these medications. The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public health and safety, taking effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 72.09.780
Substitute bill: 72.09.780