Oklahoma Senate Bill SB227

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Practice of pharmacy; prohibiting certain acts by wholesale distributor except under certain conditions. Effective date.

Impact

The bill's implications extend notably to the powers and responsibilities of pharmacists and wholesale distributors alike. It stipulates that a pharmacy cannot resell dangerous drugs to any wholesale distributor and prohibits wholesale distributors from purchasing drugs from pharmacies, thus aiming to control the flow of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the bill establishes stricter rules concerning who may manage a pharmacy, mandating that only licensed pharmacists can oversee pharmacy operations, which aims to ensure compliance with professional standards and enhance drug safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 227 addresses several unlawful acts related to pharmacy practice and the distribution of prescription medications in Oklahoma. It primarily amends existing statutes by defining acts by wholesale distributors that may be deemed unlawful unless certain conditions are met. The bill reinforces existing regulations and introduces new constraints on pharmaceutical practices, aiming to promote professional integrity within the pharmacy sector.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB227 may involve concerns about the potential impact on pharmacies and their operations. On one hand, proponents argue that the bill is necessary to mitigate malpractice and ensure a higher standard of care in pharmaceutical practice. However, critics may view the bill as excessively stringent, potentially limiting the operational flexibility of pharmacies and increasing the burden on healthcare providers, particularly in how they manage patient prescriptions and deliveries.