June 13, 2013
ADSA: NH #2013-010
2013 Legislation: SSB 5148 – Medication access for uninsured
Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:
The purpose of this letter is to let you know about Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5148 the Governor recently signed into law that allows nursing homes to participate in a voluntary redistribution prescription drug program.
Highlights of the newly passed law:
- Becomes effective July 1, 2014.
- Makes participation in redistribution prescription drug program by nursing homes as well as by pharmacies voluntary.
- Allows nursing homes to donate prescription drugs and supplies to a participating pharmacy for redistribution.
- Allows pharmacies to redistribute to primarily individuals who are uninsured and are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
- Allows prescription drugs to be accepted & dispensed by participating pharmacies if the prescription drug and supplies follow a strict set of conditions.
- Provides immunity for those that participate in the program as long as conditions in the law are met and there were no acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence.
- Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules, forms and procedures to implement this program.
- To read the details of the newly passed legislation in its entirety online, visit: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5148-S.SL.pdf
If you are interested in participating in this voluntary program, the Department of Health suggests that you sign up for the Board of Pharmacy Listserv to get more information and details. Here is the link: http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=wsbop&A=1
You will want to choose the WSBOP RULES WA State Board of Pharmacy Rules Listserv. You may also call the Department of Health customer service at 1-800-525-0127 if you have questions on SSB 5148.
If you have any other questions, please contact your local RCS Field Manager.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services