Day 27: House passes bill allowing health workers to dispense meds vs opioid overdose

Bill Information

Concerning: Allowing nurses to dispense opioid overdose reversal medication in the
emergency department. Original Bill (pdf)
Sponsors: Schmick, Bateman, Bronoske, Cody, Dufault, Jacobsen, Macri, Pollet, Donaghy, Graham, Davis, Chambers
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Status: In the House Jan 4 Prefiled for introduction.

• Jan 10 First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
• Public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM.
• Jan 19 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 8:00 AM.
• Jan 28 Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

In the Senate

• Feb 1 First reading, referred to Health & Long Term Care.
• Feb 15 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care at 8:00 AM.
• Feb 16 Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care at 6:00 PM in anticipation of other legislative action.

The bill analysis and bill report are prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill
House

• Adds registered and licensed practical nurses to the types of health care providers who must dispense or distribute opioid overdose reversal medication in compliance with requirements for hospital emergency departments

Senate

• Allows a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to dispense opioid overdose reversal medication in an emergency room instead of a practitioner to certain patients when required by law.

Opioid Overdose Reversal Medication
Opioid overdose reversal medication is a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose that binds to opioid receptors and blocks or inhibits the effects of opioids acting on those receptors. Common opioid overdose reversal medications include Narcan, Naloxone, and Evzio.

Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone

The Washington State Department of Health has a standing order to dispense Naloxone, or Narcan. When used properly, this medication can reverse an opioid overdose. Some examples of opioids provided by the Department of Health are heroin, methadone, Oxycontin®, Vicodin®, and fentanyl.

Any Washington resident or organization may use the standing order as a prescription for naloxone. The statewide order may be taken to a pharmacy to get Narcan, instead of going to a health care provider to get a prescription.
The Department of Health suggests the following people should carry naloxone (Narcan):

• People who use drugs
• People who interact with those who use drugs (friends, family, and emergency personnel)
• Anyone taking opioid medication of a 50 MME or higher dosage per day. Consult your prescribing medical professional if you are uncertain.
• If you use drugs not purchased at a pharmacy or dispensary.