Rep. Harris’ legislation to curb abuse of over-the-counter cough medicines signed by the governor

Rep. Harris’ legislation to curb abuse of over-the-counter cough medicines signed by the governor

In an effort to curb abuse of over-the-counter cold and cough medications by minors, Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation introduced by Rep. Paul Harris today. 

House Bill 2163 targets a substance called Dextromethorphan (DXM) – a cough suppressant commonly found in over-the-counter cold and cough medications. Consumers, usually minors, purchase large quantities of DXM products in order to get a euphoric high.

“This will deter teens who are purchasing cold medicines with the intent to abuse them. When I heard about this and began to research it I realized this was a growing problem and something needed to be done,” said Harris, R-Vancouver. “Rates of abuse of this substance have increased significantly over the last decade. Other states have already taken action and this legislation will help protect children in Washington state.”

House Bill 2163 will prohibit the sale of non-prescription drugs containing Dextromethorphan to a person under the age of 18 unless he or she is actively enrolled in the military or an emancipated minor. Selling DXM will be punishable by a written warning for the first offense and a class 1 civil infraction for subsequent offenses. The law will also require the trade association representing manufacturers of DXM products to annually supply retailers and the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission with a list of all products that contain DXM.

Harris said the legislation will also create a level playing field to ensure that all retailers are adhering to the same process and rules. Some retail stores including Rite Aid and Wal-Mart currently have polices that require identification for purchase of medications containing DXM.

The bill will take effect July 1, 2015, allowing retailers to implement measures to comply with the new law.

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PHOTO: Gov. Jay Inslee congratulates Rep. Paul Harris after signing House Bill 2163 into law.

Photo credit: Washington State Legislature.

For more information about Rep. Harris, visit: www.representativepaulharris.com.

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