In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed two bills regarding the production or purchasing, distribution and access of pharmaceuticals. Senate Bill 5195 directs the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) to establish a bulk purchasing and distribution program for “opioid overdose reversal medication” (2SSB 5195.SL). Senate Bill 5203 directs HCA to establish partnerships to produce, distribute or purchase generic prescription drugs and insulin (ESSB 5203.SL).
HCA will host a webinar from 9–10 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2022, to present the results of a recent survey (the third in a series of surveys) that was designed to secure input from government agencies, health plans, pharmacies, hospitals and others regarding potential policy approaches the state could pursue for both insulin and naloxone. No advance registration is required. Attendees should use this link to join the meeting on April 28. Contact HCA Program Director, Overdose Reversal Medication Laura Meader, LICSW, at laura.meader@hca.wa.gov with any questions.
