Oklahoma Senate Bill SB372

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Practice of pharmacy; prohibiting State Board of Pharmacy from restricting amount or type of drugs in emergency medication kit; authorizing certain fee. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB372 will significantly change how pharmacies manage emergency medication kits in facilities as defined by state regulations, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers. This legislative change grants pharmacies increased autonomy in deciding which medications to maintain, constrained only by the medical requirements and the number of residents in the facility. Additionally, it mandates specific reporting to the State Board regarding the drugs available in the kits, facilitating some oversight even with the reduced authority of the Board.

Summary

Senate Bill 372 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the practice of pharmacy within the state of Oklahoma, specifically focusing on the maintenance and dispensation of drugs in emergency medication kits. The bill removes certain powers held by the State Board of Pharmacy, particularly in terms of restricting the amount or type of drugs that may be included in these emergency kits. By allowing pharmacies to determine the contents of their emergency medication kits based on resident needs, the bill intends to streamline access to necessary medicinals in critical situations within licensed facilities.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB372 could arise primarily from concerns over medication safety and regulatory oversight. Critics of the bill might argue that without strong restrictions from the State Board of Pharmacy, there is a potential risk of improper management of controlled substances within these emergency medication kits. Supporters argue that such autonomy enhances the ability of pharmacies to respond adequately and efficiently to emergency needs without bureaucratic delays.