Relating to pseudoephedrine; prescribing an effective date.
Impact
This legislation will amend the current Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 475.230, thereby expanding the role of pharmacy interns in handling sensitive prescriptions. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2023, and it aims to enhance access to medications containing pseudoephedrine while maintaining stringent controls on their distribution to prevent misuse. By enabling interns to perform these transfers, the bill is expected to alleviate some burden from licensed pharmacists, allowing for a more efficient workflow in pharmacy operations.
Summary
House Bill 4025 proposes amendments to the existing regulations surrounding the transfer of drugs containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. The bill allows pharmacy interns, in addition to licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, to transfer these drugs under specific conditions. This legislative change is intended to streamline processes within pharmacies and ensure that trained personnel are available to facilitate these transactions, especially considering the common use of such medications for various health issues, including allergies and colds.
Contention
While the bill supports increased accessibility and reduces pressure on pharmacists, there may be concerns about the potential for misuse of pseudoephedrine, which is regulated due to its association with illegal drug production. Opponents may argue that introducing interns into this process could lead to lapses in judgment or compliance with regulations, potentially increasing the risk of controlled substances being improperly distributed. Moreover, there may also be opposition on grounds of local legislative authority or the adequacy of training provided to interns in handling such medications.