Iowa Senate Bill SSB1165

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/23
• Refer: 2/20/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the practice of pharmacy, and providing for administrative penalties.

Impact

SSB1165 reorganizes the Iowa Code Chapter 155A, which governs pharmacy operations, by combining, amending, and repealing certain sections. It adjusts the oversight and regulatory landscape for pharmacist-interns, pharmacy technicians, and various support roles. This regulatory shift ensures that the Board can effectively administer penalties for violations, allowing a more streamlined process to maintain high standards in pharmacy practice while also establishing clear guidelines for registering pharmacy personnel without necessitating competency assessments or continuous education requirements.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1165 seeks to amend and refine various provisions related to the practice of pharmacy in Iowa. The bill establishes new standards that the Iowa Board of Pharmacy must consider to determine if an action by a licensee violates the standard of care. Notably, it introduces the concept of therapeutic substitution, allowing pharmacists to replace prescribed medications with alternative drugs that are presumed to have equivalent therapeutic effects, thus enhancing the flexibility of pharmacists in patient care.

Contention

While the bill aims to modernize pharmacy practices, points of contention may arise concerning the authority it grants to pharmacists in dispensing medications, especially regarding therapeutic substitutions. Opponents could argue that allowing substitutions without explicit instructions from prescribing practitioners might lead to complications in treatment plans. Furthermore, the reduction in regulatory requirements for pharmacy support staff could be scrutinized for potentially lowering care standards in the pharmacy setting, raising questions about patient safety and the quality of pharmaceutical care.