title: RCW 69.40.030

text:
(1) Every person who willfully mingles poison or places any harmful object or substance, including but not limited to pins, tacks, needles, nails, razor blades, wire, or glass in any food, drink, medicine, or other edible substance intended or prepared for the use of a human being or who shall knowingly furnish, with intent to harm another person, any food, drink, medicine, or other edible substance containing such poison or harmful object or substance to another human being, and every person who willfully poisons any spring, well, or reservoir of water, is guilty of a class B felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than five years or by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars.
(2) *This act shall not apply to the employer or employers of a person who violates this section without such employer's knowledge.
[ 2003 c 53 s 321; 1992 c 7 s 48; 1973 c 119 s 1; 1909 c 249 s 264; RRS s 2516. Prior: Code 1881 s 802; 1873 p 185 s 27; 1869 p 202 s 25; 1854 p 79 s 25.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: "this act" refers to the 1973 c 119 s 1 amendment to this section.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Placing poison or other harmful object or substance in food, drinks, medicine, or water—Penalty.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 69.40.055

text:
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell at retail or furnish any repackaged poison drug or product without affixing or causing to be affixed to the bottle, box, vessel, or package a label containing the name of the article, all labeling required by the Food and Drug Administration and other federal or state laws or regulations, and the word "poison" distinctly shown with the name and place of the business of the seller.
This section shall not apply to the dispensing of drugs or poisons on the prescription of a practitioner.
The pharmacy quality assurance commission shall have the authority to promulgate rules for the enforcement and implementation of this section.
Every person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 2013 c 19 s 54; 1981 c 147 s 4.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Selling repackaged poison without labeling—Penalty.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 69.41.010

text:
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Administer" means the direct application of a legend drug whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject by:
(a) A practitioner; or
(b) The patient or research subject at the direction of the practitioner.
(2) "Commission" means the pharmacy quality assurance commission.
(3) "Community-based care settings" include: Community residential programs for persons with developmental disabilities, certified by the department of social and health services under chapter 71A.12 RCW; adult family homes licensed under chapter 70.128 RCW; and assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW. Community-based care settings do not include acute care or skilled nursing facilities.
(4) "Deliver" or "delivery" means the actual, constructive, or attempted transfer from one person to another of a legend drug, whether or not there is an agency relationship.
(5) "Department" means the department of health.
(6) "Dispense" means the interpretation of a prescription or order for a legend drug and, pursuant to that prescription or order, the proper selection, measuring, compounding, labeling, or packaging necessary to prepare that prescription or order for delivery.
(7) "Dispenser" means a practitioner who dispenses.
(8) "Distribute" means to deliver other than by administering or dispensing a legend drug.
(9) "Distributor" means a person who distributes.
(10) "Drug" means:
(a) Substances recognized as drugs in the official United States pharmacopoeia, official homeopathic pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official national formulary, or any supplement to any of them;
(b) Substances intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in human beings or animals;
(c) Substances (other than food, minerals or vitamins) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of human beings or animals; and
(d) Substances intended for use as a component of any article specified in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection. It does not include devices or their components, parts, or accessories.
(11) "Electronic communication of prescription information" means the transmission of a prescription or refill authorization for a drug of a practitioner using computer systems. The term does not include a prescription or refill authorization transmitted verbally by telephone nor a facsimile manually signed by the practitioner.
(12) "In-home care settings" include an individual's place of temporary and permanent residence, but does not include acute care or skilled nursing facilities, and does not include community-based care settings.
(13) "Legend drugs" means any drugs which are required by state law or regulation of the pharmacy quality assurance commission to be dispensed on prescription only or are restricted to use by practitioners only.
(14) "Legible prescription" means a prescription or medication order issued by a practitioner that is capable of being read and understood by the pharmacist filling the prescription or the nurse or other practitioner implementing the medication order. A prescription must be hand printed, typewritten, or electronically generated.
(15) "Medication assistance" means assistance rendered by a nonpractitioner to an individual residing in a community-based care setting or in-home care setting to facilitate the individual's self-administration of a legend drug or legend drugs, which may include a controlled substance or controlled substances. It includes reminding or coaching the individual, handing the medication container to the individual, opening the individual's medication container, using an enabler, or placing the medication in the individual's hand, and such other means of medication assistance as defined by rule adopted by the department. A nonpractitioner may help in the preparation of legend drugs, including controlled substances, for self-administration where a practitioner has determined and communicated orally or by written direction that such medication preparation assistance is necessary and appropriate. Medication assistance shall not include assistance with intravenous medications or injectable medications, except setting up diabetic devices for self-administration or handing injectable medications to an individual for self-administration.
(16) "Person" means individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity.
(17) "Practitioner" means:
(a) A physician under chapter 18.71 RCW, an osteopathic physician or an osteopathic physician and surgeon under chapter 18.57 RCW, a dentist under chapter 18.32 RCW, a podiatric physician and surgeon under chapter 18.22 RCW, an acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner to the extent authorized under chapter 18.06 RCW and the rules adopted under RCW 18.06.010(1)(m), a veterinarian under chapter 18.92 RCW, a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse under chapter 18.79 RCW, an optometrist under chapter 18.53 RCW who is certified by the optometry board under RCW 18.53.010, a physician assistant under chapter 18.71A RCW, a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW, a licensed athletic trainer to the extent authorized under chapter 18.250 RCW, a pharmacist under chapter 18.64 RCW, when acting under the required supervision of a dentist licensed under chapter 18.32 RCW, a dental hygienist licensed under chapter 18.29 RCW, a licensed dental therapist to the extent authorized under chapter 18.265 RCW, or a licensed midwife to the extent authorized under chapter 18.50 RCW;
(b) A pharmacy, hospital, or other institution licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted to distribute, dispense, conduct research with respect to, or to administer a legend drug in the course of professional practice or research in this state; and
(c) A physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a physician licensed to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery in any state, or province of Canada, which shares a common border with the state of Washington.
(18) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
[ 2025 c 26 s 1; 2024 c 102 s 1; 2023 c 460 s 21; 2020 c 80 s 40. Prior: 2019 c 358 s 6; 2019 c 308 s 23; prior: 2016 c 148 s 10; 2016 c 97 s 2; prior: 2013 c 276 s 1; 2013 c 19 s 55; 2012 c 10 s 44; 2009 c 549 s 1024; 2006 c 8 s 115; prior: 2003 c 257 s 2; 2003 c 140 s 11; 2000 c 8 s 2; prior: 1998 c 222 s 1; 1998 c 70 s 2; 1996 c 178 s 16; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 736; prior: 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 426; 1989 c 36 s 3; 1984 c 153 s 17; 1980 c 71 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 139 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 460 ss 1-22: See note following RCW 18.265.005.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Findings—2019 c 308: See note following RCW 18.06.010.
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
Findings—2006 c 8: "The legislature finds that prescription drug errors occur because the pharmacist or nurse cannot read the prescription from the physician or other provider with prescriptive authority. The legislature further finds that legible prescriptions can prevent these errors." [ 2006 c 8 s 114.]
Findings—Intent—Part headings and subheadings not law—Severability—2006 c 8: See notes following RCW 5.64.010.
Effective date—2003 c 140: See note following RCW 18.79.040.
Findings—Intent—2000 c 8: "The legislature finds that we have one of the finest health care systems in the world and excellent professionals to deliver that care. However, there are incidents of medication errors that are avoidable and serious mistakes that are preventable. Medical errors throughout the health care system constitute one of the nation's leading causes of death and injury resulting in over seven thousand deaths a year, according to a recent report from the institute of medicine. The majority of medical errors do not result from individual recklessness, but from basic flaws in the way the health system is organized. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy for government, industry, consumers, and health providers to reduce medical errors. The legislature declares a need to bring about greater safety for patients in this state who depend on prescription drugs.
It is the intent of the legislature to promote medical safety as a top priority for all citizens of our state." [ 2000 c 8 s 1.]
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.
PDF
RCW 69.41.010
Definitions. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Administer" means the direct application of a legend drug whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject by:
(a) A practitioner; or
(b) The patient or research subject at the direction of the practitioner.
(2) "Commission" means the pharmacy quality assurance commission.
(3) "Community-based care settings" include: Community residential programs for persons with developmental disabilities, certified by the department of social and health services under chapter 71A.12 RCW; adult family homes licensed under chapter 70.128 RCW; and assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW. Community-based care settings do not include acute care or skilled nursing facilities.
(4) "Deliver" or "delivery" means the actual, constructive, or attempted transfer from one person to another of a legend drug, whether or not there is an agency relationship.
(5) "Department" means the department of health.
(6) "Dispense" means the interpretation of a prescription or order for a legend drug and, pursuant to that prescription or order, the proper selection, measuring, compounding, labeling, or packaging necessary to prepare that prescription or order for delivery.
(7) "Dispenser" means a practitioner who dispenses.
(8) "Distribute" means to deliver other than by administering or dispensing a legend drug.
(9) "Distributor" means a person who distributes.
(10) "Drug" means:
(a) Substances recognized as drugs in the official United States pharmacopoeia, official homeopathic pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official national formulary, or any supplement to any of them;
(b) Substances intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in human beings or animals;
(c) Substances (other than food, minerals or vitamins) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of human beings or animals; and
(d) Substances intended for use as a component of any article specified in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection. It does not include devices or their components, parts, or accessories.
(11) "Electronic communication of prescription information" means the transmission of a prescription or refill authorization for a drug of a practitioner using computer systems. The term does not include a prescription or refill authorization transmitted verbally by telephone nor a facsimile manually signed by the practitioner.
(12) "In-home care settings" include an individual's place of temporary and permanent residence, but does not include acute care or skilled nursing facilities, and does not include community-based care settings.
(13) "Legend drugs" means any drugs which are required by state law or regulation of the pharmacy quality assurance commission to be dispensed on prescription only or are restricted to use by practitioners only.
(14) "Legible prescription" means a prescription or medication order issued by a practitioner that is capable of being read and understood by the pharmacist filling the prescription or the nurse or other practitioner implementing the medication order. A prescription must be hand printed, typewritten, or electronically generated.
(15) "Medication assistance" means assistance rendered by a nonpractitioner to an individual residing in a community-based care setting or in-home care setting to facilitate the individual's self-administration of a legend drug or legend drugs, which may include a controlled substance or controlled substances. It includes reminding or coaching the individual, handing the medication container to the individual, opening the individual's medication container, using an enabler, or placing the medication in the individual's hand, and such other means of medication assistance as defined by rule adopted by the department. A nonpractitioner may help in the preparation of legend drugs, including controlled substances, for self-administration where a practitioner has determined and communicated orally or by written direction that such medication preparation assistance is necessary and appropriate. Medication assistance shall not include assistance with intravenous medications or injectable medications, except setting up diabetic devices for self-administration or handling injectable medications to an individual for self-administration.
(16) "Person" means individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity.
(17) "Practitioner" means:
(a) A physician under chapter 18.71 RCW, an osteopathic physician or an osteopathic physician and surgeon under chapter 18.57 RCW, a dentist under chapter 18.32 RCW, a podiatric physician and surgeon under chapter 18.22 RCW, an acupuncturist or acupuncture and Eastern medicine practitioner to the extent authorized under chapter 18.06 RCW and the rules adopted under RCW 18.06.010(1)(m), a veterinarian under chapter 18.92 RCW, a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse under chapter 18.79 RCW, an optometrist under chapter 18.53 RCW who is certified by the optometry board under RCW 18.53.010, a physician assistant under chapter 18.71A RCW, a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW, a licensed athletic trainer to the extent authorized under chapter 18.250 RCW, a pharmacist under chapter 18.64 RCW, when acting under the required supervision of a dentist licensed under chapter 18.32 RCW, a dental hygienist licensed under chapter 18.29 RCW, a licensed dental therapist to the extent authorized under chapter 18.265 RCW, or a licensed midwife to the extent authorized under chapter 18.50 RCW;
(b) A pharmacy, hospital, or other institution licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted to distribute, dispense, conduct research with respect to, or to administer a legend drug in the course of professional practice or research in this state; and
(c) A physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a physician licensed to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery in any state, or province of Canada, which shares a common border with the state of Washington.
(18) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5122; 2025 c 26 s 1; 2024 c 102 s 1; 2023 c 460 s 21; 2020 c 80 s 40. Prior: 2019 c 358 s 6; 2019 c 308 s 23; prior: 2016 c 148 s 10; 2016 c 97 s 2; prior: 2013 c 276 s 1; 2013 c 19 s 55; 2012 c 10 s 44; 2009 c 549 s 1024; 2006 c 8 s 115; prior: 2003 c 257 s 2; 2003 c 140 s 11; 2000 c 8 s 2; prior: 1998 c 222 s 1; 1998 c 70 s 2; 1996 c 178 s 16; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 736; prior: 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 426; 1989 c 36 s 3; 1984 c 153 s 17; 1980 c 71 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 139 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2025 c 26 s 1 and by 2025 c 58 s 5122, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.
Effective date—2023 c 460 ss 1-22: See note following RCW 18.265.005.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Findings—2019 c 308: See note following RCW 18.06.010.
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
Findings—2006 c 8: "The legislature finds that prescription drug errors occur because the pharmacist or nurse cannot read the prescription from the physician or other provider with prescriptive authority. The legislature further finds that legible prescriptions can prevent these errors." [ 2006 c 8 s 114.]
Findings—Intent—Part headings and subheadings not law—Severability—2006 c 8: See notes following RCW 5.64.010.
Effective date—2003 c 140: See note following RCW 18.79.040.
Findings—Intent—2000 c 8: "The legislature finds that we have one of the finest health care systems in the world and excellent professionals to deliver that care. However, there are incidents of medication errors that are avoidable and serious mistakes that are preventable. Medical errors throughout the health care system constitute one of the nation's leading causes of death and injury resulting in over seven thousand deaths a year, according to a recent report from the institute of medicine. The majority of medical errors do not result from individual recklessness, but from basic flaws in the way the health system is organized. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy for government, industry, consumers, and health providers to reduce medical errors. The legislature declares a need to bring about greater safety for patients in this state who depend on prescription drugs.
It is the intent of the legislature to promote medical safety as a top priority for all citizens of our state." [ 2000 c 8 s 1.]
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 69.41.020

text:
Legend drugs shall not be sold, delivered, dispensed or administered except in accordance with this chapter.
(1) No person shall obtain or attempt to obtain a legend drug, or procure or attempt to procure the administration of a legend drug:
(a) By fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge; or
(b) By the forgery or alteration of a prescription or of any written order; or
(c) By the concealment of a material fact; or
(d) By the use of a false name or the giving of a false address.
(2) Information communicated to a practitioner in an effort unlawfully to procure a legend drug, or unlawfully to procure the administration of any such drug, shall not be deemed a privileged communication.
(3) No person shall willfully make a false statement in any prescription, order, report, or record, required by this chapter.
(4) No person shall, for the purpose of obtaining a legend drug, falsely assume the title of, or represent himself or herself to be, a manufacturer, wholesaler, or any practitioner.
(5) No person shall make or utter any false or forged prescription or other written order for legend drugs.
(6) No person shall affix any false or forged label to a package or receptacle containing legend drugs.
(7) No person shall willfully fail to maintain the records required by RCW 69.41.042 and * 69.41.270.
(8) A violation of this section is a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2003 c 53 s 322. Prior: 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 408; 1989 c 352 s 8; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 69.41.270 was repealed by 2003 c 275 s 5.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Prohibited acts—Information not privileged communication.


title: RCW 69.41.030

text:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or deliver any legend drug, or knowingly possess any legend drug, or knowingly use any legend drug in a public place, except upon the order or prescription of a physician under chapter 18.71 RCW, an osteopathic physician and surgeon under chapter 18.57 RCW, an optometrist licensed under chapter 18.53 RCW who is certified by the optometry board under RCW 18.53.010, a dentist under chapter 18.32 RCW, a podiatric physician and surgeon under chapter 18.22 RCW, a licensed midwife to the extent authorized under chapter 18.50 RCW, a veterinarian under chapter 18.92 RCW, a commissioned medical or dental officer in the United States armed forces or public health service in the discharge of his or her official duties, a duly licensed physician or dentist employed by the veterans administration in the discharge of his or her official duties, a registered nurse or *advanced registered nurse practitioner under chapter 18.79 RCW when authorized by the board of nursing, a pharmacist licensed under chapter 18.64 RCW to the extent permitted by drug therapy guidelines or protocols established under RCW 18.64.011 and authorized by the commission and approved by a practitioner authorized to prescribe drugs, a physician assistant under chapter 18.71A RCW when authorized by the Washington medical commission, or any of the following professionals in any province of Canada that shares a common border with the state of Washington or in any state of the United States: A physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a physician licensed to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery, a dentist licensed to practice dentistry, a podiatric physician and surgeon licensed to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, a licensed *advanced registered nurse practitioner, a licensed physician assistant, or a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the above provisions shall not apply to sale, delivery, or possession by drug wholesalers or drug manufacturers, or their agents or employees, or to any practitioner acting within the scope of his or her license, or to a common or contract carrier or warehouse operator, or any employee thereof, whose possession of any legend drug is in the usual course of business or employment: PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing in this chapter or chapter 18.64 RCW shall prevent a family planning clinic that is under contract with the health care authority from selling, delivering, possessing, and dispensing commercially prepackaged oral contraceptives prescribed by authorized, licensed health care practitioners: PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing in this chapter prohibits possession or delivery of legend drugs by an authorized collector or other person participating in the operation of a drug take-back program authorized in chapter 69.48 RCW.
(2)(a) A violation of this section involving the sale, delivery, or possession with intent to sell or deliver is a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(b) A violation of this section involving knowing possession is a misdemeanor. The prosecutor is encouraged to divert such cases for assessment, treatment, or other services.
(c) A violation of this section involving knowing use in a public place is a misdemeanor. The prosecutor is encouraged to divert such cases for assessment, treatment, or other services.
(d) No person may be charged with both knowing possession and knowing use in a public place under this section relating to the same course of conduct.
(e) In lieu of jail booking and referral to the prosecutor for a violation of this section involving knowing possession, or knowing use in a public place, law enforcement is encouraged to offer a referral to assessment and services available under RCW 10.31.110 or other program or entity responsible for receiving referrals in lieu of legal system involvement, which may include, but are not limited to, arrest and jail alternative programs established under RCW 36.28A.450, law enforcement assisted diversion programs established under RCW 71.24.589, and the recovery navigator program established under RCW 71.24.115.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "public place" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 66.04.010, but the exclusions in RCW 66.04.011 do not apply.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "use any legend drug" means to introduce the drug into the human body by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means.
[ 2024 c 102 s 2; 2023 sp.s. c 1 s 4; (2021 c 311 s 12 expired July 1, 2023); (2021 c 311 s 11 expired July 1, 2022); 2020 c 80 s 41; 2019 c 55 s 9; 2018 c 196 s 22; 2016 c 148 s 11. Prior: 2013 c 71 s 1; 2013 c 12 s 1; prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 79; 2011 c 336 s 837; 2010 c 83 s 1; prior: 2003 c 142 s 3; 2003 c 53 s 323; 1996 c 178 s 17; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 737; 1991 c 30 s 1; 1990 c 219 s 2; 1987 c 144 s 1; 1981 c 120 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 139 s 2; 1977 c 69 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
Effective date—2023 sp.s. c 1 ss 1-5, 7-11, and 41: See note following RCW 69.50.4011.
Effective date—2021 c 311 s 12: "Section 12 of this act takes effect July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 311 s 28.]
Expiration date—2021 c 311 ss 8-10 and 12: See note following RCW 69.50.4011.
Expiration date—2021 c 311 s 11: "Section 11 of this act expires July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 311 s 27.]
Effective date—2021 c 311 ss 1-11 and 13-21: See note following RCW 71.24.115.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Severability—2003 c 142: See note following RCW 18.53.010.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Finding—1990 c 219: "The legislature finds that Washington citizens in the border areas of this state are prohibited from having prescriptions from out-of-state dentists and veterinarians filled at their in-state pharmacies, and that it is in the public interest to remove this barrier for the state's citizens." [ 1990 c 219 s 1.]
PDF
RCW 69.41.030
Sale, delivery, possession, or use of legend drug without prescription or order prohibited—Exceptions—Penalty—Referral to assessment and services. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or deliver any legend drug, or knowingly possess any legend drug, or knowingly use any legend drug in a public place, except upon the order or prescription of a physician under chapter 18.71 RCW, an osteopathic physician and surgeon under chapter 18.57 RCW, an optometrist licensed under chapter 18.53 RCW who is certified by the optometry board under RCW 18.53.010, a dentist under chapter 18.32 RCW, a podiatric physician and surgeon under chapter 18.22 RCW, a licensed midwife to the extent authorized under chapter 18.50 RCW, a veterinarian under chapter 18.92 RCW, a commissioned medical or dental officer in the United States armed forces or public health service in the discharge of his or her official duties, a duly licensed physician or dentist employed by the veterans administration in the discharge of his or her official duties, a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse under chapter 18.79 RCW when authorized by the board of nursing, a pharmacist licensed under chapter 18.64 RCW to the extent permitted by drug therapy guidelines or protocols established under RCW 18.64.011 and authorized by the commission and approved by a practitioner authorized to prescribe drugs, a physician assistant under chapter 18.71A RCW when authorized by the Washington medical commission, or any of the following professionals in any province of Canada that shares a common border with the state of Washington or in any state of the United States: A physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or a physician licensed to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery, a dentist licensed to practice dentistry, a podiatric physician and surgeon licensed to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, a licensed physician assistant, or a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the above provisions shall not apply to sale, delivery, or possession by drug wholesalers or drug manufacturers, or their agents or employees, or to any practitioner acting within the scope of his or her license, or to a common or contract carrier or warehouse operator, or any employee thereof, whose possession of any legend drug is in the usual course of business or employment: PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing in this chapter or chapter 18.64 RCW shall prevent a family planning clinic that is under contract with the health care authority from selling, delivering, possessing, and dispensing commercially prepackaged oral contraceptives prescribed by authorized, licensed health care practitioners: PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing in this chapter prohibits possession or delivery of legend drugs by an authorized collector or other person participating in the operation of a drug take-back program authorized in chapter 69.48 RCW.
(2)(a) A violation of this section involving the sale, delivery, or possession with intent to sell or deliver is a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(b) A violation of this section involving knowing possession is a misdemeanor. The prosecutor is encouraged to divert such cases for assessment, treatment, or other services.
(c) A violation of this section involving knowing use in a public place is a misdemeanor. The prosecutor is encouraged to divert such cases for assessment, treatment, or other services.
(d) No person may be charged with both knowing possession and knowing use in a public place under this section relating to the same course of conduct.
(e) In lieu of jail booking and referral to the prosecutor for a violation of this section involving knowing possession, or knowing use in a public place, law enforcement is encouraged to offer a referral to assessment and services available under RCW 10.31.110 or other program or entity responsible for receiving referrals in lieu of legal system involvement, which may include, but are not limited to, arrest and jail alternative programs established under RCW 36.28A.450, law enforcement assisted diversion programs established under RCW 71.24.589, and the recovery navigator program established under RCW 71.24.115.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "public place" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 66.04.010, but the exclusions in RCW 66.04.011 do not apply.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "use any legend drug" means to introduce the drug into the human body by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5123; 2024 c 102 s 2; 2023 sp.s. c 1 s 4; (2021 c 311 s 12 expired July 1, 2023); (2021 c 311 s 11 expired July 1, 2022); 2020 c 80 s 41; 2019 c 55 s 9; 2018 c 196 s 22; 2016 c 148 s 11. Prior: 2013 c 71 s 1; 2013 c 12 s 1; prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 79; 2011 c 336 s 837; 2010 c 83 s 1; prior: 2003 c 142 s 3; 2003 c 53 s 323; 1996 c 178 s 17; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 737; 1991 c 30 s 1; 1990 c 219 s 2; 1987 c 144 s 1; 1981 c 120 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 139 s 2; 1977 c 69 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.
Effective date—2023 sp.s. c 1 ss 1-5, 7-11, and 41: See note following RCW 69.50.4011.
Effective date—2021 c 311 s 12: "Section 12 of this act takes effect July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 311 s 28.]
Expiration date—2021 c 311 ss 8-10 and 12: See note following RCW 69.50.4011.
Expiration date—2021 c 311 s 11: "Section 11 of this act expires July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 311 s 27.]
Effective date—2021 c 311 ss 1-11 and 13-21: See note following RCW 71.24.115.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Severability—2003 c 142: See note following RCW 18.53.010.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Finding—1990 c 219: "The legislature finds that Washington citizens in the border areas of this state are prohibited from having prescriptions from out-of-state dentists and veterinarians filled at their in-state pharmacies, and that it is in the public interest to remove this barrier for the state's citizens." [ 1990 c 219 s 1.]

catchline: Sale, delivery, possession, or use of legend drug without prescription or order prohibited—Exceptions—Penalty—Referral to assessment and services. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 69.41.032

text:
(1) This chapter shall not prevent a medicare-approved dialysis center, a facility operating a medicare-approved home dialysis program, a manufacturer, or a wholesaler, from selling, delivering, possessing, or dispensing directly to dialysis patients, if prescribed by a practitioner acting within the scope of the practitioner's practice, those legend drugs, including commercially available dialysate, used by home dialysis patients, in case or full shelf lots, as determined by the commission.
(2) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2022 c 23 s 2; 2016 c 148 s 12; 1987 c 41 s 2.]
Notes:
Application of pharmacy statutes to dialysis programs: RCW 18.64.257.

catchline: Prescription of legend drugs and dialysate by dialysis programs.


title: RCW 69.41.040

text:
(1) A prescription, in order to be effective in legalizing the possession of legend drugs, must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by one authorized to prescribe the use of such legend drugs. Except as provided in RCW 69.41.095, an order purporting to be a prescription issued to a drug abuser or habitual user of legend drugs, not in the course of professional treatment, is not a prescription within the meaning and intent of this section; and the person who knows or should know that he or she is filling such an order, as well as the person issuing it, may be charged with violation of this chapter. A legitimate medical purpose shall include use in the course of a bona fide research program in conjunction with a hospital or university.
(2) A violation of this section is a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2015 c 205 s 3; 2003 c 53 s 324; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—2015 c 205: See note following RCW 69.41.095.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Prescription requirements—Penalty.


title: RCW 69.41.041

text:
(1) A pharmacy may dispense legend drugs to the resident of a long-term care facility or hospice program on the basis of a written or electronically signed prescription or chart order sent via facsimile copy by the prescriber to the long-term care facility or hospice program, and communicated or transmitted to the pharmacy pursuant to RCW 18.64.550.
(2) For the purpose of this section, the terms "long-term care facility," "hospice program," and "chart order" have the meanings provided in RCW 18.64.011.
[ 2020 c 57 s 87; 2016 c 148 s 7.]

catchline: Long-term care facilities and hospice programs—Legend drug prescriptions and chart orders.


title: RCW 69.41.042

text:
A pharmaceutical manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacy, or practitioner who purchases, dispenses, or distributes legend drugs shall maintain invoices or such other records as are necessary to account for the receipt and disposition of the legend drugs.
The records maintained pursuant to this section shall be available for inspection by the commission and its authorized representatives and shall be maintained for two years.
[ 2016 c 148 s 13; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 405.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Record requirements.


title: RCW 69.41.044

text:
All records, reports, and information obtained by the commission or its authorized representatives from or on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer, representative of a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacy, or practitioner who purchases, dispenses, or distributes legend drugs under this chapter are confidential and exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW. Nothing in this section restricts the investigations or the proceedings of the commission so long as the commission and its authorized representatives comply with the provisions of chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2016 c 148 s 14; 2005 c 274 s 328; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 406.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Confidentiality.


title: RCW 69.41.050

text:
(1) To every box, bottle, jar, tube, or other container of a legend drug, which is dispensed by a practitioner authorized to prescribe legend drugs, there shall be affixed a label bearing the name of the prescriber, complete directions for use, the name of the drug either by the brand or generic name and strength per unit dose, name of patient and date: PROVIDED, That the practitioner may omit the name and dosage of the drug if he or she determines that his or her patient should not have this information and that, if the drug dispensed is a trial sample in its original package and which is labeled in accordance with federal law or regulation, there need be set forth additionally only the name of the issuing practitioner and the name of the patient.
(2)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, at a prescriber's request, the prescription label for abortion medications may include the prescribing and dispensing health care facility name instead of the name of the practitioner.
(b) For the purposes of this subsection, "abortion medications" means substances used in the course of medical treatment intended to induce the termination of a pregnancy including, but not limited to, mifepristone.
(3) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
[ 2024 c 257 s 1; 2003 c 53 s 325; 1980 c 83 s 8; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Labeling requirements—Penalty.


title: RCW 69.41.055

text:
(1) Information concerning an original prescription or information concerning a prescription refill for a legend drug may be electronically communicated between an authorized practitioner and a pharmacy of the patient's choice with no intervening person having access to the prescription drug order pursuant to the provisions of this chapter if the electronically communicated prescription information complies with the following:
(a) Electronically communicated prescription information must comply with all applicable statutes and rules regarding the form, content, recordkeeping, and processing of a prescription or order for a legend drug;
(b) An explicit opportunity for practitioners must be made to indicate their preference on whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted. This section does not limit the ability of practitioners and pharmacists to permit substitution by default under a prior-consent authorization;
(c) Prescription drug orders are confidential health information, and may be released only to the patient or the patient's authorized representative, the prescriber or other authorized practitioner then caring for the patient, or other persons specifically authorized by law to receive such information;
(d) To maintain confidentiality of prescription records, the electronic system shall have adequate security and systems safeguards designed to prevent and detect unauthorized access, modification, or manipulation of these records; and
(e) The pharmacist shall exercise professional judgment regarding the accuracy, validity, and authenticity of the prescription drug order received by way of electronic transmission, consistent with federal and state laws and rules and guidelines of the commission.
(2) The electronic signature of the prescribing practitioner's agent on behalf of the prescribing practitioner for a resident in a long-term care facility or hospice program, pursuant to a valid order and authorization under RCW 18.64.550, constitutes a valid electronic communication of prescription information. Such an authorized signature and transmission by an agent in a long-term care facility or hospice program does not constitute an intervening person having access to the prescription drug order.
(3) The commission may adopt rules implementing this section.
[ 2020 c 57 s 88; 2019 c 314 s 13; 2016 c 148 s 15; 1998 c 222 s 2.]
Notes:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.

catchline: Electronic communication of prescription information—Commission may adopt rules—Long-term care facilities and hospice programs.


title: RCW 69.41.060

text:
If, upon the sworn complaint of any person, it shall be made to appear to any judge of the superior or district court that there is probable cause to believe that any legend drug is being used, manufactured, sold, bartered, exchanged, given away, furnished or otherwise disposed of or kept in violation of the provisions of this chapter, such judge shall, with or without the approval of the prosecuting attorney, issue a warrant directed to any peace officer in the county, commanding the peace officer to search the premises designated and described in such complaint and warrant, and to seize all legend drugs there found, together with the vessels in which they are contained, and all implements, furniture and fixtures used or kept for the illegal manufacture, sale, barter, exchange, giving away, furnishing or otherwise disposing of such legend drugs and to safely keep the same, and to make a return of said warrant within three days, showing all acts and things done thereunder, with a particular statement of all articles seized and the name of the person or persons in whose possession the same were found, if any, and if no person be found in the possession of said articles, the returns shall so state. A copy of said warrant shall be served upon the person or persons found in possession of any such legend drugs, furniture or fixtures so seized, and if no person be found in the possession thereof, a copy of said warrant shall be posted on the door of the building or room wherein the same are found, or, if there be no door, then in any conspicuous place upon the premises.
[ 1987 c 202 s 227; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 6.]
Notes:
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.

catchline: Search and seizure.


title: RCW 69.41.062

text:
Whenever a legend drug which is sold, delivered, or possessed in violation of this chapter is seized at rental premises, the law enforcement agency shall make a reasonable attempt to discover the identity of the landlord and shall notify the landlord in writing, at the last address listed in the property tax records and at any other address known by the law enforcement agency, of the seizure and the location of the seizure.
[ 1988 c 150 s 8.]
Notes:
Legislative findings—Severability—1988 c 150: See notes following RCW 59.18.130.

catchline: Search and seizure at rental premises—Notification of landlord.


title: RCW 69.41.065

text:
(1) If a juvenile thirteen years of age or older and under the age of twenty-one is found by a court to have committed any offense that is a violation of this chapter, the court shall notify the department of licensing within twenty-four hours after entry of the judgment, unless the offense is the juvenile's first offense in violation of this chapter and has not committed an offense while armed with a firearm, an unlawful possession of a firearm offense, or an offense in violation of chapter 66.44, 69.50, or 69.52 RCW.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, upon petition of a juvenile whose privilege to drive has been revoked pursuant to RCW 46.20.265, the court may notify the department of licensing that the juvenile's privilege to drive should be reinstated.
(3) If the conviction is for the juvenile's first violation of this chapter or chapter 66.44, 69.50, or 69.52 RCW, the juvenile may not petition the court for reinstatement of the juvenile's privilege to drive revoked pursuant to RCW 46.20.265 until the later of ninety days after the date the juvenile turns sixteen or ninety days after the judgment was entered. If the conviction was for the juvenile's second or subsequent violation of this chapter or chapter 66.44, 69.50, or 69.52 RCW, the juvenile may not petition the court for reinstatement of the juvenile's privilege to drive revoked pursuant to RCW 46.20.265 until the later of the date the juvenile turns seventeen or one year after the date judgment was entered.
[ 2016 c 136 s 10; 1989 c 271 s 119; 1988 c 148 s 4.]
Notes:
Severability—1989 c 271: See note following RCW 9.94A.510.
Legislative finding—Severability—1988 c 148: See notes following RCW 13.40.265.

catchline: Violations—Juvenile driving privileges.


title: RCW 69.41.072

text:
Any offense which is a violation of chapter 69.50 RCW other than RCW 69.50.4012 shall not be charged under this chapter.
[ 2003 c 53 s 327.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Violations of chapter 69.50 RCW not to be charged under chapter 69.41 RCW—Exception.


title: RCW 69.41.075

text:
The pharmacy quality assurance commission may make such rules for the enforcement of this chapter as are deemed necessary or advisable. The commission shall identify, by rule-making pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, those drugs which may be dispensed only on prescription or are restricted to use by practitioners, only. In so doing the commission shall consider the toxicity or other potentiality for harmful effect of the drug, the method of its use, and any collateral safeguards necessary to its use. The commission shall classify a drug as a legend drug where these considerations indicate the drug is not safe for use except under the supervision of a practitioner.
In identifying legend drugs the commission may incorporate in its rules lists of drugs contained in commercial pharmaceutical publications by making specific reference to each such list and the date and edition of the commercial publication containing it. Any such lists so incorporated shall be available for public inspection at the headquarters of the department of health and shall be available on request from the department of health upon payment of a reasonable fee to be set by the department.
[ 2013 c 19 s 56; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 427; 1979 ex.s. c 139 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Rules—Availability of lists of drugs.


title: RCW 69.41.080

text:
Humane societies and animal control agencies registered with the commission under chapter 69.50 RCW and authorized to euthanize animals may purchase, possess, and administer approved legend drugs for the sole purpose of sedating animals prior to euthanasia, when necessary, and for use in chemical capture programs. For the purposes of this section, "approved legend drugs" means those legend drugs designated by the commission by rule as being approved for use by such societies and agencies for animal sedating or capture and does not include any substance regulated under chapter 69.50 RCW. Any society or agency so registered shall not permit persons to administer any legend drugs unless such person has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the commission adequate knowledge of the potential hazards involved in and the proper techniques to be used in administering the drugs.
The commission shall promulgate rules to regulate the purchase, possession, and administration of legend drugs by such societies and agencies and to insure strict compliance with the provisions of this section. Such rules shall require that the storage, inventory control, administration, and recordkeeping for approved legend drugs conform to the standards adopted by the commission under chapter 69.50 RCW to regulate the use of controlled substances by such societies and agencies. Chapter 18.64 RCW governs the denial of licenses and the discipline of registrations issued under chapter 69.50 RCW. The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs unlicensed practice of persons required to obtain a registration under this chapter. In addition to any other grounds, the commission may suspend or revoke a registration issued under chapter 69.50 RCW upon a determination by the commission that the person administering legend drugs has not demonstrated adequate knowledge as herein provided.
[ 2024 c 121 s 50; 2013 c 19 s 57; 1989 c 242 s 1.]

catchline: Animal control—Rules for possession and use of legend drugs.


title: RCW 69.41.085

text:
Individuals residing in community-based care settings, such as adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care settings for individuals with developmental disabilities, including an individual's home, may receive medication assistance. Nothing in this chapter affects the right of an individual to refuse medication or requirements relating to informed consent.
[ 2012 c 10 s 45; 2003 c 140 s 12; 1998 c 70 s 1.]
Notes:
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
Effective date—2003 c 140: See note following RCW 18.79.040.

catchline: Medication assistance—Community-based care setting.


title: RCW 69.41.095

text:
(1)(a) A practitioner may prescribe, dispense, distribute, and deliver an opioid overdose reversal medication: (i) Directly to a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose; or (ii) by prescription, collaborative drug therapy agreement, standing order, or protocol to a first responder, family member, or other person or entity in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. Any such prescription, standing order, or protocol is issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice.
(b) At the time of prescribing, dispensing, distributing, or delivering the opioid overdose reversal medication, the practitioner shall inform the recipient that as soon as possible after administration of the opioid overdose reversal medication, the person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose should be transported to a hospital or a first responder should be summoned.
(2) A pharmacist may dispense an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to a prescription, collaborative drug therapy agreement, standing order, or protocol issued in accordance with subsection (1)(a) of this section and may administer an opioid overdose reversal medication to a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. At the time of dispensing an opioid overdose reversal medication, a pharmacist shall provide written instructions on the proper response to an opioid-related overdose, including instructions for seeking immediate medical attention. The instructions to seek immediate medical attention must be conspicuously displayed.
(3) Any person or entity may lawfully possess, store, deliver, distribute, or administer an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to a prescription, collaborative drug therapy agreement, standing order, or protocol issued by a practitioner in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The following individuals, if acting in good faith and with reasonable care, are not subject to criminal or civil liability or disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW for any actions authorized by this section or the outcomes of any actions authorized by this section:
(a) A practitioner who prescribes, dispenses, distributes, or delivers an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to subsection (1) of this section;
(b) A pharmacist who dispenses an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to subsection (2) or (5)(a) of this section;
(c) A person who possesses, stores, distributes, or administers an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
(5) The secretary or the secretary's designee may issue a standing order prescribing opioid overdose reversal medications to any person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose or any person or entity in a position to assist a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. The standing order may be limited to specific areas in the state or issued statewide.
(a) A pharmacist shall dispense an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to a standing order issued in accordance with this subsection, consistent with the pharmacist's responsibilities to dispense prescribed legend drugs, and may administer an opioid overdose reversal medication to a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. At the time of dispensing an opioid overdose reversal medication, a pharmacist shall provide written instructions on the proper response to an opioid-related overdose, including instructions for seeking immediate medical attention. The instructions to seek immediate medical attention must be conspicuously displayed.
(b) Any person or entity may lawfully possess, store, deliver, distribute, or administer an opioid overdose reversal medication pursuant to a standing order issued in accordance with this subsection (5). The department, in coordination with the appropriate entity or entities, shall ensure availability of a training module that provides training regarding the identification of a person suffering from an opioid-related overdose and the use of opioid overdose reversal medications. The training must be available electronically and in a variety of media from the department.
(c) This subsection (5) does not create a private cause of action. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the state nor the secretary nor the secretary's designee has any civil liability for issuing standing orders or for any other actions taken pursuant to this chapter or for the outcomes of issuing standing orders or any other actions taken pursuant to this chapter. Neither the secretary nor the secretary's designee is subject to any criminal liability or professional disciplinary action for issuing standing orders or for any other actions taken pursuant to this chapter.
(d) For purposes of this subsection (5), "standing order" means an order prescribing medication by the secretary or the secretary's designee. Such standing order can only be issued by a practitioner as defined in this chapter.
(6) The labeling requirements of RCW 69.41.050 and 18.64.246 do not apply to opioid overdose reversal medications dispensed, distributed, or delivered pursuant to a prescription, collaborative drug therapy agreement, standing order, or protocol issued in accordance with this section. The individual or entity that dispenses, distributes, or delivers an opioid overdose reversal medication as authorized by this section shall ensure that directions for use are provided.
(7) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(a) "First responder" means: (i) A career or volunteer firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic as defined in RCW 18.71.200, or first responder or emergency medical technician as defined in RCW 18.73.030; and (ii) an entity that employs or supervises an individual listed in (a)(i) of this subsection, including a volunteer fire department.
(b) "Opioid overdose reversal medication" means any drug used to reverse an opioid overdose that binds to opioid receptors and blocks or inhibits the effects of opioids acting on those receptors. It does not include intentional administration via the intravenous route.
(c) "Opioid-related overdose" means a condition including, but not limited to, decreased level of consciousness, nonresponsiveness, respiratory depression, coma, or death that: (i) Results from the consumption or use of an opioid or another substance with which an opioid was combined; or (ii) a lay person would reasonably believe to be an opioid-related overdose requiring medical assistance.
(d) "Practitioner" means a health care practitioner who is authorized under RCW 69.41.030 to prescribe legend drugs.
(e) "Standing order" or "protocol" means written or electronically recorded instructions, prepared by a prescriber, for distribution and administration of a drug by designated and trained staff or volunteers of an organization or entity, as well as other actions and interventions to be used upon the occurrence of clearly defined clinical events in order to improve patients' timely access to treatment.
[ 2019 c 314 s 14; 2015 c 205 s 2.]
Notes:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.
Intent—2015 c 205: "(1) The legislature intends to reduce the number of lives lost to drug overdoses by encouraging the prescription, dispensing, and administration of opioid overdose medications.
(2) Overdoses of opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers, cause brain injury and death by slowing and eventually stopping a person's breathing. Since 2012, drug poisoning deaths in the United States have risen six percent, and deaths involving heroin have increased a staggering thirty-nine percent. In Washington state, the annual number of deaths involving heroin or prescription opiates increased from two hundred fifty-eight in 1995 to six hundred fifty-one in 2013. Over this period, a total of nine thousand four hundred thirty-nine people died from opioid-related drug overdoses. Opioid-related drug overdoses are a statewide phenomenon.
(3) When administered to a person experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose, an opioid overdose medication can save the person's life by restoring respiration. Increased access to opioid overdose medications reduced the time between when a victim is discovered and when he or she receives lifesaving assistance. Between 1996 and 2010, lay people across the country reversed over ten thousand overdoses.
(4) The legislature intends to increase access to opioid overdose medications by permitting health care practitioners to administer, prescribe, and dispense, directly or by collaborative drug therapy agreement or standing order, opioid overdose medication to any person who may be present at an overdose - law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, family members, or service providers - and to permit those individuals to possess and administer opioid overdose medications prescribed by an authorized health care provider." [ 2015 c 205 s 1.]

catchline: Opioid overdose reversal medication—Standing order permitted.


title: RCW 69.41.100

text:
The legislature recognizes the responsibility of the state to insure that the citizens of the state are offered a choice between generic drugs and brand name drugs and the benefit of quality pharmaceutical products at competitive prices. Advances in the drug industry resulting from research and the elimination of counterfeiting of prescription drugs should benefit the users of the drugs. Pharmacy must continue to operate with accountability and effectiveness. The legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of the state that its citizens receive safe and therapeutically effective drug products at the most reasonable cost consistent with high drug quality standards.
[ 1986 c 52 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 352: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 10.]

catchline: Legislative recognition and declaration.


title: RCW 69.41.110

text:
As used in RCW 69.41.100 through 69.41.180, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1) "Biological product" means any of the following, when applied to the prevention, treatment, or cure of a disease or condition of human beings: (a) A virus; (b) a therapeutic serum; (c) a toxin; (d) an antitoxin; (e) a vaccine; (f) blood, blood component, or derivative; (g) an allergenic product; (h) a protein, other than a chemically synthesized polypeptide, or an analogous product; or (i) arsphenamine, a derivative of arsphenamine, or any trivalent organic arsenic compound;
(2) "Brand name" means the proprietary or trade name selected by the manufacturer and placed upon a drug, its container, label, or wrapping at the time of packaging;
(3) "Generic name" means the official title of a drug or drug ingredients published in the latest edition of a nationally recognized pharmacopoeia or formulary;
(4) "Interchangeable" means a biological product:
(a) Licensed by the federal food and drug administration and determined to meet the safety standards for interchangeability pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 262(k)(4); or
(b) Approved based on an application filed under section 505(b) of the federal food, drug, and cosmetic act that is determined by the federal food and drug administration to be therapeutically equivalent to an approved 505(b) biological product and is included in the 505(b) list maintained by the pharmacy quality assurance commission pursuant to RCW 69.41.196;
(5) "Practitioner" means a physician, osteopathic physician and surgeon, dentist, veterinarian, or any other person authorized to prescribe drugs under the laws of this state;
(6) "Substitute" means to dispense, with the practitioner's authorization, a "therapeutically equivalent" drug product or "interchangeable biological" drug product; and
(7) "Therapeutically equivalent" means a drug product of the identical base or salt as the specific drug product prescribed with essentially the same efficacy and toxicity when administered to an individual in the same dosage regimen.
[ 2015 c 242 s 1; 1979 c 110 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 69.41.120

text:
(1) Every drug prescription shall contain an instruction on whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted in its place, unless substitution is permitted under a prior-consent authorization.
If a written prescription is involved, the prescription must be legible and the form shall have two signature lines at opposite ends on the bottom of the form. Under the line at the right side shall be clearly printed the words "DISPENSE AS WRITTEN." Under the line at the left side shall be clearly printed the words "SUBSTITUTION PERMITTED." The practitioner shall communicate the instructions to the pharmacist by signing the appropriate line. No prescription shall be valid without the signature of the practitioner on one of these lines. In the case of a prescription issued by a practitioner in another state that uses a one-line prescription form or variation thereof, the pharmacist may substitute a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product unless otherwise instructed by the practitioner through the use of the words "dispense as written," words of similar meaning, or some other indication.
(2) If an oral prescription is involved, the practitioner or the practitioner's agent shall instruct the pharmacist as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted in its place. The pharmacist shall note the instructions on the file copy of the prescription.
(3) The pharmacist shall note the manufacturer of the drug dispensed on the file copy of a written or oral prescription.
(4) The pharmacist shall retain the file copy of a written or oral prescription for the same period of time specified in RCW 18.64.245 for retention of prescription records.
[ 2015 c 242 s 2; 2000 c 8 s 3; 1990 c 218 s 1; 1979 c 110 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2000 c 8: See note following RCW 69.41.010.

catchline: Prescriptions to contain instruction as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted—Out-of-state prescriptions—Form—Contents—Procedure.


title: RCW 69.41.125

text:
Unless the prescribed biological product is requested by the patient or the patient's representative, if "substitution permitted" is marked on the prescription as provided in RCW 69.41.120, the pharmacist must substitute an interchangeable biological product that he or she has in stock for the biological product prescribed if the wholesale price for the interchangeable biological product to the pharmacist is less than the wholesale price for the biological product prescribed.
[ 2015 c 242 s 3.]

catchline: Interchangeable biological product may be substituted for biological product—Exception—Wholesale price less.


title: RCW 69.41.130

text:
Unless the brand name drug is requested by the patient or the patient's representative, the pharmacist shall substitute an equivalent drug product which he or she has in stock if its wholesale price to the pharmacist is less than the wholesale price of the prescribed drug product, and at least sixty percent of the savings shall be passed on to the purchaser.
[ 2012 c 117 s 365; 1986 c 52 s 2; 1979 c 110 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 4.]

catchline: Savings in price to be passed on to purchaser.


title: RCW 69.41.140

text:
A pharmacist may not substitute a product under the provisions of this section unless the manufacturer has shown that the drug has been manufactured with the following minimum good manufacturing standards and practices:
(1) Maintain quality control standards equal to those of the Food and Drug Administration;
(2) Comply with regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration.
[ 1979 c 110 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 5.]

catchline: Minimum manufacturing standards and practices.


title: RCW 69.41.150

text:
(1) A practitioner who authorizes a prescribed drug shall not be liable for any side effects or adverse reactions caused by the manner or method by which a substituted drug product is selected or dispensed.
(2) A pharmacist who substitutes a therapeutically equivalent drug product pursuant to RCW 69.41.100 through 69.41.180 as now or hereafter amended assumes no greater liability for selecting the dispensed drug product than would be incurred in filling a prescription for a drug product prescribed by its established name.
(3) A pharmacist who substitutes a preferred drug for a nonpreferred drug pursuant to RCW 69.41.190 assumes no greater liability for substituting the preferred drug than would be incurred in filling a prescription for the preferred drug when prescribed by name.
(4) A pharmacist who selects an interchangeable biological product to be dispensed pursuant to RCW 69.41.100 through 69.41.180, and the pharmacy for which the pharmacist is providing service, assumes no greater liability for selecting the interchangeable biological product than would be incurred in filling a prescription for the interchangeable biological product when prescribed by name. The prescribing practitioner is not liable for a pharmacist's act or omission in selecting, preparing, or dispensing an interchangeable biological product under this section.
[ 2015 c 242 s 6; 2003 1st sp.s. c 29 s 6; 1979 c 110 s 5; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 6.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2003 1st sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 74.09.650.

catchline: Liability of practitioner, pharmacist.


title: RCW 69.41.160

text:
Every pharmacy shall post a sign in a location at the prescription counter that is readily visible to patrons stating, "Under Washington law, a less expensive interchangeable biological product or equivalent drug may in some cases be substituted for the drug prescribed by your doctor. Such substitution, however, may only be made with the consent of your doctor. Please consult your pharmacist or physician for more information."
[ 2015 c 242 s 7; 1979 c 110 s 6; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 7.]

catchline: Pharmacy signs as to substitution for prescribed drugs.


title: RCW 69.41.170

text:
It shall be unlawful for any employer to coerce, within the meaning of RCW 9A.36.070, any pharmacist to dispense a generic drug or to substitute a generic drug for another drug. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 8.]

catchline: Coercion of pharmacist prohibited—Penalty.


title: RCW 69.41.180

text:
The pharmacy quality assurance commission may adopt any necessary rules under chapter 34.05 RCW for the implementation, continuation, or enforcement of RCW 69.41.100 through 69.41.180, including, but not limited to, a list of therapeutically or nontherapeutically equivalent drugs which, when adopted, shall be provided to all registered pharmacists in the state and shall be updated as necessary.
[ 2013 c 19 s 58; 1979 c 110 s 7; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 9.]

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 69.41.190

text:
(1)(a) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any pharmacist filling a prescription under a state purchased health care program as defined in RCW 41.05.011 shall substitute, where identified, a preferred drug for any nonpreferred drug in a given therapeutic class, unless the endorsing practitioner has indicated on the prescription that the nonpreferred drug must be dispensed as written, or the prescription is for a refill of an antipsychotic, antidepressant, antiepileptic, or other drug prescribed to the patient to treat a serious mental illness, chemotherapy, antiretroviral, or immunosuppressive drug, or for the refill of a immunomodulator/antiviral treatment for hepatitis C for which an established, fixed duration of therapy is prescribed for at least 24 weeks but no more than 48 weeks, in which case the pharmacist shall dispense the prescribed nonpreferred drug.
(b) When a substitution is made under (a) of this subsection, the dispensing pharmacist shall notify the prescribing practitioner of the specific drug and dose dispensed.
(2)(a) A state purchased health care program may impose limited restrictions on an endorsing practitioner's authority to write a prescription to dispense as written only under the following circumstances:
(i) There is statistical or clear data demonstrating the endorsing practitioner's frequency of prescribing dispensed as written for nonpreferred drugs varies significantly from the prescribing patterns of his or her peers;
(ii) The medical director of a state purchased health program has: (A) Presented the endorsing practitioner with data that indicates the endorsing practitioner's prescribing patterns vary significantly from his or her peers, (B) provided the endorsing practitioner an opportunity to explain the variation in his or her prescribing patterns to those of his or her peers, and (C) if the variation in prescribing patterns cannot be explained, provided the endorsing practitioner sufficient time to change his or her prescribing patterns to align with those of his or her peers; and
(iii) The restrictions imposed under (a) of this subsection (2) must be limited to the extent possible to reduce variation in prescribing patterns and shall remain in effect only until such time as the endorsing practitioner can demonstrate a reduction in variation in line with his or her peers.
(b) A state purchased health care program may immediately designate an available, less expensive, equally effective generic product in a previously reviewed drug class as a preferred drug, without first submitting the product to review by the pharmacy and therapeutics committee established pursuant to RCW 70.14.050.
(c) For a patient's first course of treatment within a therapeutic class of drugs, a state purchased health care program may impose limited restrictions on endorsing practitioners' authority to write a prescription to dispense as written, only under the following circumstances:
(i) There is a less expensive, equally effective therapeutic alternative generic product available to treat the condition;
(ii) The drug use review board established under WAC 388-530-4000 reviews and provides recommendations as to the appropriateness of the limitation;
(iii) Notwithstanding the limitation set forth in (c)(ii) of this subsection (2), the endorsing practitioner shall have an opportunity to request as medically necessary, that the brand name drug be prescribed as the first course of treatment;
(iv) The state purchased health care program may provide, where available, prescription, emergency room, diagnosis, and hospitalization history with the endorsing practitioner; and
(v) Specifically for antipsychotic restrictions, the state purchased health care program shall effectively guide good practice without interfering with the timeliness of clinical decision making. Health care authority prior authorization programs must provide for responses within 24 hours and at least a 72 hour emergency supply of the requested drug.
(d) If, within a therapeutic class, there is an equally effective therapeutic alternative over-the-counter drug available, a state purchased health care program may designate the over-the-counter drug as the preferred drug.
(e) A state purchased health care program may impose limited restrictions on endorsing practitioners' authority to prescribe pharmaceuticals to be dispensed as written for a purpose outside the scope of their approved labels only under the following circumstances:
(i) There is a less expensive, equally effective on-label product available to treat the condition;
(ii) The drug use review board established under WAC 388-530-4000 reviews and provides recommendations as to the appropriateness of the limitation; and
(iii) Notwithstanding the limitation set forth in (e)(ii) of this subsection (2), the endorsing practitioner shall have an opportunity to request as medically necessary, that the drug be prescribed for a covered off-label purpose.
(f) The provisions of this subsection related to the definition of medically necessary, prior authorization procedures and patient appeal rights shall be implemented in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state law.
(3) Notwithstanding the limitations in subsection (2) of this section, for refills for an antipsychotic, antidepressant, antiepileptic, or other drug prescribed to the patient to treat a serious mental illness, chemotherapy, antiretroviral, or immunosuppressive drug, or for the refill of an immunomodulator antiviral treatment for hepatitis C for which an established, fixed duration of therapy is prescribed for at least 24 weeks by no more than 48 weeks, the pharmacist shall dispense the prescribed nonpreferred drug.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "serious mental illness" means a mental disorder, as defined in the most recent edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders published by the American psychiatric association, that results in serious functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.
[ 2023 c 325 s 2; 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 80; 2009 c 575 s 1; 2006 c 233 s 1; 2003 1st sp.s. c 29 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 325 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2025." [ 2023 c 325 s 3.]
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Effective date—2009 c 575: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 19, 2009]." [ 2009 c 575 s 2.]
Finding—Intent—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2003 1st sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 74.09.650.

catchline: Preferred drug substitution—Exceptions—Notice—Limited restrictions.


title: RCW 69.41.196

text:
The pharmacy quality assurance commission shall maintain a link on its website to the current list of all biological products determined by the federal food and drug administration as interchangeable. The commission shall maintain a list of all biological products approved as therapeutically equivalent by the federal food and drug administration through the approval process specified in 505(b) of the federal food, drug, and cosmetic act. The commission shall make the 505(b) list accessible to pharmacies.
[ 2015 c 242 s 5.]

catchline: List of interchangeable biological products—Pharmacy quality assurance commission to maintain link on website.


title: RCW 69.41.200

text:
(1) No legend drug in solid dosage form may be manufactured or commercially distributed within this state unless it has clearly marked or imprinted on it an individual symbol, number, company name, words, letters, marking, or National Drug Code number identifying the drug and the manufacturer or distributor of such drug.
(2) No manufacturer or distributor may sell any legend drug contained within a bottle, vial, carton, or other container, or in any way affixed or appended to or enclosed within a package of any kind designed or intended for delivery in such container or package to an ultimate consumer within this state unless such container or package has clearly and permanently marked or imprinted on it an individual symbol, number, company name, words, letters, marking, or National Drug Code number identifying the drug and the manufacturer or distributor of such drug.
(3) Whenever the distributor of a legend drug does not also manufacture it, the names and places of businesses of both shall appear on the stock container or package label in words that truly distinguish each.
[ 1980 c 83 s 1.]

catchline: Requirements for identification of legend drugs—Marking.


title: RCW 69.41.210

text:
The terms defined in this section shall have the meanings indicated when used in RCW 69.41.200 through 69.41.260.
(1) "Commission" means the pharmacy quality assurance commission.
(2) "Distributor" means any corporation, person, or other entity which distributes for sale a legend drug under its own label even though it is not the actual manufacturer of the legend drug.
(3) "Legend drug" means any drugs which are required by state law or regulation of the commission to be dispensed as prescription only or are restricted to use by prescribing practitioners only and shall include controlled substances in Schedules II through V of chapter 69.50 RCW.
(4) "Solid dosage form" means capsules or tablets or similar legend drug products intended for administration and which could be ingested orally.
[ 2013 c 19 s 59; 1980 c 83 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).


title: RCW 69.41.220

text:
Each manufacturer and distributor shall publish and provide to the commission by filing with the department printed material which will identify each current imprint used by the manufacturer or distributor. The commission shall be notified of any change by the filing of any change with the department. This information shall be provided by the department to all pharmacies licensed in the state of Washington, poison control centers, and hospital emergency rooms.
[ 2016 c 148 s 16; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 428; 1980 c 83 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Published lists of drug imprints—Requirements for.


title: RCW 69.41.230

text:
Any legend drug prepared or manufactured or offered for sale in violation of this chapter or implementing rules shall be contraband and subject to seizure under the provisions of RCW 69.41.060.
[ 1980 c 83 s 4.]

catchline: Drugs in violation are contraband.


title: RCW 69.41.240

text:
The commission shall have authority to promulgate rules and regulations for the enforcement and implementation of RCW 69.41.050 and 69.41.200 through 69.41.260.
[ 2013 c 19 s 60; 1980 c 83 s 5.]

catchline: Rules—Labeling and marking.


title: RCW 69.41.250

text:
(1) The commission, upon application of a manufacturer, may exempt a particular legend drug from the requirements of RCW 69.41.050 and 69.41.200 through 69.41.260 on the grounds that imprinting is infeasible because of size, texture, or other unique characteristics.
(2) The provisions of RCW 69.41.050 and 69.41.200 through 69.41.260 shall not apply to any legend drug which is prepared or manufactured by a pharmacy in this state and is for the purpose of retail sale from such pharmacy and not intended for resale.
[ 2013 c 19 s 61; 1980 c 83 s 6.]

catchline: Exemptions.


title: RCW 69.41.260

text:
All legend drugs manufactured or distributed for resale to any entity in this state other than the ultimate consumer shall meet the requirements of RCW 69.41.050 and 69.41.200 through 69.41.260 from a date eighteen months after June 12, 1980.
[ 1980 c 83 s 7.]

catchline: Manufacture or distribution for resale—Requirements.


title: RCW 69.41.280

text:
All records, reports, and information obtained by the pharmacy quality assurance commission or its authorized representatives from or on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer, representative of a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacy, or practitioner who purchases, dispenses, or distributes legend drugs under this chapter are confidential and exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW. Nothing in this section restricts the investigations or the proceedings of the commission so long as the commission and its authorized representatives comply with the provisions of chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2013 c 19 s 62; 2005 c 274 s 329; 1989 c 352 s 6.]

catchline: Confidentiality.


title: RCW 69.41.300

text:
For the purposes of RCW 69.41.300 through 69.41.350, "steroids" shall include the following:
(1) "Anabolic steroids" means synthetic derivatives of testosterone or any isomer, ester, salt, or derivative that act in the same manner on the human body;
(2) "Androgens" means testosterone in one of its forms or a derivative, isomer, ester, or salt, that act in the same manner on the human body; and
(3) "Human growth hormones" means growth hormones, or a derivative, isomer, ester, or salt that act in the same manner on the human body.
[ 2003 c 53 s 328; 1989 c 369 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 69.41.310

text:
The pharmacy quality assurance commission shall specify by rule drugs to be classified as steroids as defined in RCW 69.41.300.
On or before December 1 of each year, the commission shall inform the appropriate legislative committees of reference of the drugs that the commission has added to the steroids in RCW 69.41.300. The commission shall submit a statement of rationale for the changes.
[ 2013 c 19 s 63; 1989 c 369 s 2.]


title: RCW 69.41.320

text:
(1)(a) A practitioner shall not prescribe, administer, or dispense steroids, as defined in RCW 69.41.300, or any form of autotransfusion for the purpose of manipulating hormones to increase muscle mass, strength, or weight, or for the purpose of enhancing athletic ability, without a medical necessity to do so.
(b) A person violating this subsection is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and is subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.130.180.
(2) A practitioner shall complete and maintain patient medical records which accurately reflect the prescribing, administering, or dispensing of any substance or drug described in this section or any form of autotransfusion. Patient medical records shall indicate the diagnosis and purpose for which the substance, drug, or autotransfusion is prescribed, administered, or dispensed and any additional information upon which the diagnosis is based.
[ 2003 c 53 s 329; 1989 c 369 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.


title: RCW 69.41.330

text:
The superintendent of public instruction shall develop and distribute to all school districts signs of appropriate design and dimensions advising students of the health risks that steroids present when used solely to enhance athletic ability, and of the penalties for their unlawful possession provided by RCW 69.41.300 through 69.41.350.
School districts shall post or cause the signs to be posted in a prominent place for ease of viewing on the premises of school athletic departments.
[ 2003 c 53 s 330; 1989 c 369 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Public warnings—School districts.


title: RCW 69.41.340

text:
The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the Washington interscholastic activity association, shall promulgate rules by January 1, 1990, regarding loss of eligibility to participate in school-sponsored athletic events for any student athlete found to have violated this chapter. The regents or trustees of each institution of higher education shall promulgate rules by January 1, 1990, regarding loss of eligibility to participate in school-sponsored athletic events for any student athlete found to have violated this chapter.
[ 1989 c 369 s 6.]

catchline: Student athletes—Violations—Penalty.


title: RCW 69.41.350

text:
(1) A person who violates the provisions of this chapter by possessing under two hundred tablets or eight 2cc bottles of steroid without a valid prescription is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(2) A person who violates the provisions of this chapter by possessing over two hundred tablets or eight 2cc bottles of steroid without a valid prescription is guilty of a class C felony and shall be punished according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2003 c 53 s 326; 1989 c 369 s 4; 1983 1st ex.s. c 4 s 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 186 s 7. Formerly RCW 69.41.070.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 4: See note following RCW 9A.48.070.

catchline: Penalties.


title: RCW 69.43.010

text:
(1) A report to the pharmacy quality assurance commission shall be submitted in accordance with this chapter by a manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or other person who sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes to any person any of the following substances or their salts or isomers:
(a) Anthranilic acid;
(b) Barbituric acid;
(c) Chlorephedrine;
(d) Diethyl malonate;
(e) D-lysergic acid;
(f) Ephedrine;
(g) Ergotamine tartrate;
(h) Ethylamine;
(i) Ethyl malonate;
(j) Ethylephedrine;
(k) Lead acetate;
(l) Malonic acid;
(m) Methylamine;
(n) Methylformamide;
(o) Methylephedrine;
(p) Methylpseudoephedrine;
(q) N-acetylanthranilic acid;
(r) Norpseudoephedrine;
(s) Phenylacetic acid;
(t) Phenylpropanolamine;
(u) Piperidine;
(v) Pseudoephedrine; and
(w) Pyrrolidine.
(2) The pharmacy quality assurance commission shall administer this chapter and may, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, add a substance to or remove a substance from the list in subsection (1) of this section. In determining whether to add or remove a substance, the commission shall consider the following:
(a) The likelihood that the substance is useable as a precursor in the illegal production of a controlled substance as defined in chapter 69.50 RCW;
(b) The availability of the substance;
(c) The relative appropriateness of including the substance in this chapter or in chapter 69.50 RCW; and
(d) The extent and nature of legitimate uses for the substance.
(3)(a) Any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or other person shall, before selling, transferring, or otherwise furnishing any substance specified in subsection (1) of this section to any person, require proper identification from the purchaser.
(b) For the purposes of this subsection, "proper identification" means:
(i) A motor vehicle operator's license or other official state-issued identification of the purchaser containing a photograph of the purchaser, and includes the residential or mailing address of the purchaser, other than a post office box number;
(ii) The motor vehicle license number of any motor vehicle owned or operated by the purchaser;
(iii) A letter of authorization from any business for which any substance specified in subsection (1) of this section is being furnished, which includes the business license number and address of the business;
(iv) A description of how the substance is to be used; and
(v) The signature of the purchaser.
The person selling, transferring, or otherwise furnishing any substance specified in subsection (1) of this section shall affix his or her signature as a witness to the signature and identification of the purchaser.
(c) A violation of or a failure to comply with this subsection is a misdemeanor.
(4) Any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or other person who sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes the substance specified in subsection (1) of this section to any person shall, not less than twenty-one days before delivery of the substance, submit a report of the transaction, which includes the identification information specified in subsection (3) of this section to the pharmacy quality assurance commission. However, the pharmacy quality assurance commission may authorize the submission of the reports on a monthly basis with respect to repeated, regular transactions between the furnisher and the recipient involving the same substance if the pharmacy quality assurance commission determines that either of the following exist:
(a) A pattern of regular supply of the substance exists between the manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or other person who sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes such substance and the recipient of the substance; or
(b) The recipient has established a record of using the substance for lawful purposes.
(5) Any person specified in subsection (4) of this section who does not submit a report as required by subsection (4) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2013 c 19 s 64; 2001 c 96 s 2; 1998 c 245 s 107; 1988 c 147 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—2001 c 96: "Communities all over the state of Washington have experienced an increase in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. Illegal methamphetamine labs create a significant threat to the health and safety of the people of the state. Some of the chemicals and compounds used to make methamphetamine, and the toxic wastes the process generates, are hazards to the public health. Increases in crime, violence, and the abuse and neglect of children present at laboratory sites are also associated with the increasing number of illegal laboratory sites. The drugs ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, which are used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, have been identified as factors in the increase in the number of illegal methamphetamine labs. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to place restrictions on the sale and possession of those three drugs in order to reduce the proliferation of illegal methamphetamine laboratories and the associated threats to public health and safety." [ 2001 c 96 s 1.]
Severability—2001 c 96: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2001 c 96 s 15.]

catchline: Report to pharmacy quality assurance commission—List of substances—Modification of list—Identification of purchasers—Report of transactions—Penalties.


title: RCW 69.43.020

text:
(1) Any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or other person who receives from a source outside of this state any substance specified in RCW 69.43.010(1) shall submit a report of such transaction to the pharmacy quality assurance commission under rules adopted by the commission.
(2) Any person specified in subsection (1) of this section who does not submit a report as required by subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2013 c 19 s 65; 2001 c 96 s 3; 1988 c 147 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—Severability—2001 c 96: See notes following RCW 69.43.010.

catchline: Receipt of substance from source outside state—Report—Penalty.


title: RCW 69.43.030

text:
RCW 69.43.010 and 69.43.020 do not apply to any of the following:
(1) Any pharmacist or other authorized person who sells or furnishes a substance upon the prescription of a practitioner, as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW;
(2) Any practitioner who administers or furnishes a substance to his or her patients;
(3) Any manufacturer or wholesaler licensed by the pharmacy quality assurance commission who sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes a substance to a licensed pharmacy or practitioner;
(4) Any sale, transfer, furnishing, or receipt of any drug that contains ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine, or of any cosmetic that contains a substance specified in RCW 69.43.010(1), if such drug or cosmetic is lawfully sold, transferred, or furnished, over the counter without a prescription under chapter 69.04 or 69.41 RCW.
[ 2013 c 19 s 66; 1988 c 147 s 3.]


title: RCW 69.43.035

text:
(1) Any manufacturer or wholesaler who sells, transfers, or otherwise furnishes any substance specified in RCW 69.43.010(1) to any person in a suspicious transaction shall report the transaction in writing to the pharmacy quality assurance commission.
(2) Any person specified in subsection (1) of this section who does not submit a report as required by subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "suspicious transaction" means a sale or transfer to which any of the following applies:
(a) The circumstances of the sale or transfer would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is likely to be used for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance under chapter 69.50 RCW, based on such factors as the amount involved, the method of payment, the method of delivery, and any past dealings with any participant in the transaction. The pharmacy quality assurance commission shall adopt by rule criteria for determining whether a transaction is suspicious, taking into consideration the recommendations in appendix A of the report to the United States attorney general by the suspicious orders task force under the federal comprehensive methamphetamine control act of 1996.
(b) The transaction involves payment for any substance specified in RCW 69.43.010(1) in cash or money orders in a total amount of more than two hundred dollars.
(4) The pharmacy quality assurance commission shall transmit to the department of revenue a copy of each report of a suspicious transaction that it receives under this section.
[ 2013 c 19 s 67; 2004 c 52 s 6; 2001 c 96 s 4.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—Effective date—2004 c 52: See notes following RCW 18.64.044.
Intent—Severability—2001 c 96: See notes following RCW 69.43.010.

catchline: Suspicious transactions—Report—Penalty.


title: RCW 69.43.040

text:
(1) The department of health, in accordance with rules developed by the pharmacy quality assurance commission shall provide a common reporting form for the substances in RCW 69.43.010 that contains at least the following information:
(a) Name of the substance;
(b) Quantity of the substance sold, transferred, or furnished;
(c) The date the substance was sold, transferred, or furnished;
(d) The name and address of the person buying or receiving the substance; and
(e) The name and address of the manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or other person selling, transferring, or furnishing the substance.
(2) Monthly reports authorized under RCW 69.43.010(4) may be computer-generated in accordance with rules adopted by the department.
[ 2013 c 19 s 68; 2001 c 96 s 7; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 441; 1988 c 147 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—Severability—2001 c 96: See notes following RCW 69.43.010.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Reporting form.