PHARMACIST MAY DISPENSE ADDITIONAL

QUANTITIES OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Senate Bill 360 (S-1) as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Margaret O'Brien

House Committee:  Health Policy

Senate Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 9-16-17

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 360 would amend Part 177 of the Public Health Code, which pertains to pharmacy practice and drug control.

Generally, a pharmacist may only dispense a drug or device to a patient in the quantity ordered by the prescriber on the patient's prescription.  If the prescription does not contain the quantity ordered, the pharmacist must consult with the prescriber to determine an agreed-upon quantity, record that quantity on the prescription, and maintain that documentation as provided under the Code. 

The bill would allow a pharmacist to dispense, at one time, additional quantities of a prescription drug up to the number of dosage units authorized by the prescriber on the original prescription and any refills of the prescription.  This would be allowed if, after consulting with the patient, the pharmacist determines in his or her professional judgement that it is appropriate.

However, this provision does not apply in the case of a prescription for a controlled substance, except for those controlled substances in Schedule 5 that do not contain an opioid. (Schedule 5 controlled substances are listed in Section 7220 of the Public Health Code, MCL 333.7220)

MCL 333.17751

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bill 360 would have no fiscal impact on any units of state or local government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Jenny McInerney

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.