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Bill

HB 2176

Exempting information in collaborative drug therapy agreements from disclosure under the public records act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Fosse and 7 co-sponsors

HB 2176 exempts collaborative drug therapy agreements from public records disclosure, shielding pharmacist-physician protocols from transparency requirements but potentially limiting oversight of publicly-funded healthcare arrangements.

House Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · HB 2176

Legislative bill overview

HB 2176 creates a public records exemption for information contained in collaborative drug therapy agreements—contracts that allow pharmacists to adjust medications under physician supervision. The bill would shield these agreements from disclosure under Washington's public records law, keeping the specific terms and details confidential.

Why is this important

Collaborative drug therapy agreements are increasingly used in healthcare to improve medication management and patient access to pharmaceutical services. However, this exemption directly affects public transparency, as these agreements involve state-regulated healthcare professionals and potentially taxpayer-funded healthcare programs, raising questions about accountability and oversight of clinical decision-making protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency vs. privacy balance: The exemption limits public oversight of healthcare protocols, though proponents argue it protects proprietary clinical relationships and encourages candid collaboration between providers
  • Scope of exemption: Unclear whether the exemption covers all agreement details or only sensitive clinical/business information, potentially casting too wide a net for confidentiality
  • Public interest: Citizens and policymakers may lose visibility into how pharmacy benefits are structured in publicly-funded programs, making it difficult to assess cost-effectiveness and quality outcomes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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