Pharmacy Act & Board Of Pharmacy Changes
The bill is expected to streamline processes within the pharmacy profession, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of pharmacy services provided to the public. Local pharmacies, particularly those handling compounding, will benefit from clearer guidelines, which should aid in compliance with state laws. Additionally, the establishment of a toll-free number requirement for nonresident pharmacies will facilitate better communication between patients and pharmacists, ensuring patients can access relevant information about their prescriptions. This is particularly pertinent as telehealth and mail-in prescriptions continue to grow in popularity.
House Bill 93, introduced by Joanne J. Ferrary, aims to amend and enact certain sections of the Pharmacy Act in New Mexico, notably reiterating the authority and responsibilities of the Board of Pharmacy. This bill seeks to repeal the Impaired Pharmacists Act and updates the provisions to enhance regulatory oversight in pharmacy practice. The primary focus is to ensure that pharmacists adhere to established standards for patient safety, drug compounding, and proper patient counseling practices. By clarifying the definitions and responsibilities associated with pharmaceutical care, HB93 strives to improve the overall quality of healthcare in New Mexico.
While the bill has strong support for its intent to regulate the pharmacy profession more effectively, there are concerns regarding the balance between regulation and the ability of pharmacists to use their professional judgment in patient care. Opponents fear that overly stringent regulations may limit pharmacists' abilities to act swiftly in patient emergencies, especially regarding drug refills without prior authorization from prescribing practitioners. Moreover, the repeal of the Impaired Pharmacists Act raises questions about support systems for pharmacists experiencing difficulties, which could negatively impact patient safety if not replaced with adequate measures.