Practice of pharmacy; prohibiting certain acts by wholesale distributor except under certain conditions. Effective date.
Impact
If enacted, SB227 could significantly affect the management and distribution of drugs within Oklahoma. By tightening restrictions on quasi-wholesale practices, the bill seeks to minimize the risk of prescription fraud and ensure only licensed professionals handle pharmaceuticals. This change in regulations is expected to improve patient safety by ensuring that the dispensing and delivery of prescription medications adhere strictly to state laws designed to curb illegal drug distribution.
Summary
Senate Bill 227 aims to amend existing pharmacy laws by imposing new regulations on wholesale distributors and pharmacy practices. The bill specifically updates Section 353.24 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which deals with unlawful acts in pharmacy. It prohibits actions such as forging prescriptions, reselling drugs to wholesale distributors, and establishing pharmacies without a licensed pharmacist in charge. Such measures are intended to enhance the integrity and safety of pharmaceutical practices within the state.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and access to necessary medications. Some stakeholders may argue that overly stringent regulations could unintentionally limit the availability of medications to patients, especially in rural areas where pharmacy services are already limited. Additionally, concerns might arise from pharmacists and distributors about the feasibility of compliance with the new regulations, particularly regarding the logistics of prescription deliveries and the responsibilities of pharmacy managers.
Practice of pharmacy; requiring wholesale distributors to provide for return of certain outdated prescription drugs; requiring prompt full credit to purchaser. Effective date.
Practice of pharmacy; allowing pharmacist to test or screen for and initiate drug therapy under certain circumstances; specifying allowed tests; modifying and adding certain definitions. Effective date. Emergency.
Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Pharmacy Act, modifying definition; authorizing pharmacists to screen and test for certain conditions; codification; effective date.
Prescription drugs; prohibiting a health insurer from modifying coverage under certain conditions; providing exception; establishing civil penalty. Effective date.
Practice of psychology; allowing licensed psychologist to prescribe psychotropic drugs under certain conditions; providing for application for, issuance of, and expiration of certain certificates. Effective date.
A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, prescription drugs, and pharmacy services administrative organizations, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1074.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.