Law MattersGavel image-March 2010

William E. Fassett, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Professor of Pharmacy Law & Ethics
Washington State University – Spokane

 

 

Prescriptions from out-of-state ARNPs for legend drugs valid in Washington on or after June 10, 2010 – does not apply to controlled substances

 

On March 17, Governor Gregoire signed SB 6627 (2010 c 83), allowing pharmacists to fill prescriptions for legend drugs written by Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners licensed in “any province of Canada that shares a common border with Washington or in any state of the United States.” Thus prescriptions from British Columbia or any US-licensed ARNPs will be valid in Washington after the bill takes effect on June 10, 2010. The changes apply only to prescriptions for legend drugs, and not for controlled substances, since the statute modified the Legend Drug Law (RCW 69.41.030), but did not amend the relevant section of the Controlled Substances Act (RCW 69.50.101(w)(3)).