Gov. Gregoire signs bill allowing importation of prescription drugs from Canada

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2005

OLYMPIA � May 5, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire today signed into law a bill allowing, under state law, the importation of prescription drugs from Canadian wholesalers. She was joined by AARP, the Washington State Pharmacy Association, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and over 150 seniors at the Prescription for Change forum at Wesley Homes, a retirement community in Des Moines.

�This bill says to the federal government, show us what�s wrong with Canadian prescription drugs,� said Governor Gregoire. �Why shouldn�t our citizens be allowed to buy safe, affordable prescription drugs? As Governor, I�m stepping to the forefront of this national debate to make the future better for Washington seniors.�

SB 5470 allows importation of certain prescription drugs from Canada under state law but changes in federal law are still required before Washington seniors can legally purchase those drugs. The governor pledged to take a leading role in the fight with the federal government. The first step is requesting permission from the US Food and Drug Administration for Washingtonians to buy drugs from Canada.

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