California Senate Bill SB569

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Refer: 3/7/19
• Refer: 4/1/19
• Refer: 4/10/19
• Report Pass: 4/23/19
• Refer: 4/23/19
• Engrossed: 5/9/19
• Refer: 5/30/19
• Report Pass: 7/1/19
• Refer: 7/2/19
• Report Pass: 8/14/19
• Enrolled: 9/4/19
• Chaptered: 10/9/19
• Passed: 10/9/19

Caption

Controlled substances: prescriptions: declared local, state, or federal emergency.

Impact

The bill significantly modifies existing law by granting pharmacists the authority to bypass certain regulatory requirements for filling prescriptions during emergencies. This could streamline the process for accessing medications, potentially reducing the risk of healthcare disruptions in crisis scenarios. Under the new provisions, pharmacists can dispense controlled substances without adhering strictly to standard prescription formats, provided certain conditions are met, including that the prescription is filled within two weeks of the emergency notice and that the patient demonstrates an inability to access their medications.

Summary

Senate Bill 569, introduced by Senator Stone, addresses the availability of controlled substances during declared emergencies—be it local, state, or federal. The legislation adds Section 11159.3 to the Health and Safety Code, allowing pharmacists to fill prescriptions for controlled substances for patients who cannot access their regular medications due to such emergencies. This measure aims to adapt the existing Pharmacy Law to enhance public health and patient care during critical situations, allowing for expedited access to vital medications.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 569 appears to be generally positive, particularly among healthcare professionals who see it as a necessary measure to safeguard public health during emergencies. Legislators and pharmacists have expressed support for easing legislative constraints to ensure patient medications are accessible when circumstances become dire. Nonetheless, there may be concerns regarding the safety and potential misuse of the relaxed prescription rules, indicating a need for careful implementation and monitoring.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the bill, especially concerning the safeguards put in place to prevent misuse of the changes in prescription filling. Critics might argue that allowing pharmacists to dispense medications without strict adherence to typical prescription requirements could lead to over-prescribing or misuse of controlled substances. Ensuring that pharmacists enforce the requirement for patients to demonstrate their inability to access medications could prove challenging and may vary across different pharmacy practices.