Washington SB5924: Pharmacist prescriptive auth

What the bill says

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. NEW SECTION.

From the introduced text:

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. 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: The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Administer" means the direct application of a drug or device, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient or research subject. (2) "Business licensing system" means the mechanism established by chapter 19.02 RCW by which business licenses, endorsed for individual state-issued licenses, are issued and renewed utilizing a business license application and …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Vandana Slatter (D) · primary sponsor
• Shelly Short (R)
• Mike Chapman (D)
• Steven Conway (D)
• Robert Hasegawa (D)
• T'wina Nobles (D)
• Tina Orwall (D)
• Marcus Riccelli (D)
• Rebecca Saldaña (D)
• Sharon Shewmake (D)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
2. February 19, 2026: First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
3. February 17, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 38; nays, 11; absent, 0; excused, 0.
4. February 17, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
5. February 17, 2026: 1st substitute bill substituted
6. February 6, 2026: Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
7. February 4, 2026: Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
8. February 3, 2026: Minority; without recommendation.
9. February 3, 2026: Minority; do not pass.
10. February 3, 2026: HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 17, 2026): 38 yea, 11 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5924 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (February 3, 2026): 7 yea, 2 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB5924?

SB5924 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Pharmacist prescriptive auth.

What does SB5924 do?

In its own words: 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. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of SB5924?

Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SB5924?

Vandana Slatter (D), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB5924?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5924&Year=2025