Expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to improve access to health care and the management of chronic diseases.

 S-0857.1

SENATE BILL 5513

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senators Slatter, Chapman, Nobles, and Short

Read first time 01/27/25. Referred to Committee on Health & Long-Term Care.

AN ACT Relating to expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to improve access to health care and the management of chronic diseases; amending RCW 69.41.030 ; reenacting and amending RCW 18.64.011 ; adding a new section to chapter 18.64 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes pharmacists as highly educated health care professionals uniquely qualified to prescribe medications and devices to improve patient outcomes. Being deeply concerned about provider shortages in Washington, particularly in rural and underserved communities, the legislature seeks to expand access to care by leveraging pharmacists' expertise. It is the intent of the legislature to improve patient outcomes for behavioral and physical health by permitting pharmacists to practice at the top of their education, training, and experience.

Sec. 2. RCW 18.64.011 and 2024 c 121 s 30 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows: