Signed by Governor Eric Holcomb

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report and pass a bill that amends regulations for pharmacists.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the state employee plan or a pharmacy benefits manager from requiring pharmacies to collect a higher copayment for prescription drugs from covered individuals than pharmacies are allowed to retain (Sec 11). 

• Authorizes pharmacists to dispense auto-injectable epinephrine without examining the individual if the following conditions are met (Sec 4):

• The individual is at risk of experiencing anaphylaxis; 

• The individual has completed the course on using auto-injectable epinephrine; 

• The pharmacist provides instructions on how to properly administer the auto-injectable epinephrine; and

• The pharmacist provides the individual with instructions to contact emergency medical services before or after using the administration.

• Authorizes a prescriber to issue a prescription for a controlled substance in written, faxed, or oral form if there is a technological inability to issue a prescription electronically (Sec 8). 

• Authorizes a prescriber to issue a prescription for a controlled substance if the prescriber reasonably determines that it would be impractical for the patient to obtain an electronic prescription in a timely manner (Sec 8). 

• Requires pharmacists to honor prescriptions from advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants (Sec 8).

Full Bill Text