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HB 1849

Expanding the drugs eligible for the unexpired prescription drug donation program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carolyn Eslick and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1849 expands Washington's prescription drug donation program eligibility to include more medication types, increasing access for uninsured patients while reducing pharmaceutical waste.

First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
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Bill Summary · HB 1849

Legislative bill overview

HB 1849 expands Washington's unexpired prescription drug donation program to include a broader range of medications that can be donated and redistributed to patients in need. Currently, the program has restrictions on which drugs are eligible for donation. This bill would increase the types of pharmaceuticals that can participate in the donation system, potentially making more medications available to uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Why is this important

Prescription drug costs remain a significant barrier to healthcare access for many Washington residents. Expanding the donation program could reduce medication waste while simultaneously improving access to necessary treatments for vulnerable populations. This addresses both cost containment and public health equity issues.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety concerns: Expanding eligibility to more drug categories raises questions about oversight mechanisms, storage conditions, and pharmacist verification protocols to ensure donated medications are safe and appropriate
  • Pharmaceutical industry impact: Drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers may resist expanded donation programs as they could reduce medication sales and overall market demand
  • Implementation logistics: Unclear how expanded categories would be managed by pharmacies and healthcare facilities, including tracking, liability, and regulatory compliance requirements

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

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