The duty of a pharmacist to dispense lawfully prescribed drugs and devices. (FE)
Impact
The bill introduces significant changes to the existing legal framework governing pharmacies in Wisconsin. It broadens the responsibility of pharmacists while allowing for the personal beliefs of pharmacists to be accommodated through transfer of prescriptions. This dual focus aims to ensure that patients can access necessary medications without unnecessary delay, even if their original pharmacy is unable to dispense them due to individual conscience clauses. The measure seeks to enhance patient rights by ensuring that prescriptions are fulfilled in a timely manner.
Summary
Senate Bill 137 aims to clarify and expand the duty of pharmacies to dispense lawfully prescribed drugs and devices, particularly concerning contraceptives. Under current laws, pharmacies are required to dispense these products without delay, with few exceptions. SB137 revises this by emphasizing that pharmacies must provide any lawfully prescribed medication promptly, with additional provisions for conscience-based refusals by pharmacists. In such cases, the pharmacy must refer the prescription to another pharmacy if they cannot dispense the medication without delay due to a pharmacist's conscience objections.
Contention
However, the bill has generated debate among various stakeholders. Critics express concern that the conscience clause may allow pharmacists to deny medications based on personal beliefs, which could lead to potential barriers for patients accessing contraception and other essential medications. Supporters argue that this approach balances the rights of pharmacists with the need for patient access to medications. The discussion around this bill reflects broader societal debates surrounding healthcare access, individual rights, and the roles of personal beliefs within professional healthcare settings.
Permitting pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Permitting pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, funding for an office of prescription drug affordability, crediting certain amounts to the general program operations account of the office of the commissioner of insurance, granting rulemaking authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Health occupations: pharmacists; pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain contraceptives; allow. Amends secs. 17703, 17704, 17707, 17708, 17709, 17744, 17751 & 17757 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17703 et seq.) & adds sec. 17744g.