(1) Each agency
administering a state purchased health care program as defined in
RCW 41.05.011(2) shall, in cooperation with other agencies, take
any necessary actions to control costs without reducing the
quality of care when reimbursing for or purchasing drugs. To
accomplish this purpose, participating agencies may establish an
evidence-based prescription drug program.
(2) In developing the evidence-based prescription drug
program authorized by this section, agencies:
(a) Shall prohibit reimbursement for drugs that are
determined to be ineffective by the United States food and drug
administration;
(b) Shall adopt rules in order to ensure that less expensive
generic drugs will be substituted for brand name drugs in those
instances where the quality of care is not diminished;
(c) Where possible, may authorize reimbursement for drugs
only in economical quantities;
(d) May limit the prices paid for drugs by such means as
negotiated discounts from pharmaceutical manufacturers, central
purchasing, volume contracting, or setting maximum prices to be
paid;
(e) Shall consider the approval of drugs with lower abuse
potential in substitution for drugs with significant abuse
potential;
(f) May take other necessary measures to control costs of
drugs without reducing the quality of care; and
(g) Shall adopt rules governing practitioner endorsement and
use of any list developed as part of the program authorized by
this section.
(3) Agencies shall provide for reasonable exceptions,
consistent with RCW 69.41.190, to any list developed as part of
the program authorized by this section.
(4) Agencies shall establish an independent pharmacy and
therapeutics committee to evaluate the effectiveness of
prescription drugs in the development of the program authorized
by this section.
[2003 1st sp.s. c 29 § 9; 1986 c 303 § 10.]
NOTES:
Finding -- Intent -- Severability -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Effective date -- 2003 1st sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 74.09.650.