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Bill would allow caregivers to assist with modern diabetic devices and other self-injectables in community-based settings
Summary
Substitute House Bill 1720 would expand Washington’s medication-assistance exception to permit caregivers in community-based care settings to assist residents with diabetic device setup and to hand injectable medications for self-administration beyond prefilled insulin syringes, the Senate committee heard March 13.
Substitute House Bill 1720 would expand the medication-assistance exception in state law to permit caregivers in community-based and in-home care settings to assist residents with setting up diabetic devices and to hand injectable medications for self administration, the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee heard March 13.
Rohan Bhattacharjee, committee staff, explained the current definition excludes most injectable medications except prefilled insulin syringes. "The bill before you allows for medication assistance to be rendered for the setting up of diabetic devices or handing injectable medications for self administration, thereby expanding the scope of the exception under current law," he said.
Dr. Lisonbee Bradywood, executive director of the Washington State Board of Nursing, testified in support and said the change reflects modern medication delivery systems and promotes patient independence. "Expanding medication assistance in community based settings also enhances adherence by ensuring devices are correctly set up, reducing the risk of missed doses or incorrect administration," Bradywood said.
Vicki McNeely, a registered nurse and assisted-living director for the Washington Health Care Association, urged the committee to approve the bill, saying many assisted-living residents now use insulin pens or other injectables rather than prefilled syringes. "This small language change will allow residents to remain as independent as possible in the care setting of their choice where they can continue to self administer their needed medications with the caregiver simply storing that medication and handing the injectable medication to the resident at the correct time," McNeely said.
Witnesses said the measure would modernize statute to match current practice, improve medication adherence and reduce risk. The committee recorded robust pro testimony and closed the hearing without taking a vote.
