HB 651 -- Pharmacy

Co-Sponsors:  Parker, Naeger

This bill expands the definition of the "practice of pharmacy"
to include the advising of persons regarding the therapeutic
values, hazards, and the reactions of prescription drugs.
Pharmacists who have received training approved by the board are
allowed to modify drug therapy as long as it is in accordance
with guidelines established by practitioners authorized to
prescribe drugs.  Pharmacists who have completed post-graduate
studies from an institution approved by the Board of Pharmacy
may independently engage in initiating, modifying, or
prescribing drug therapy in accordance with guidelines
established by practitioners authorized to prescribe drugs.

The bill requires pharmacists to provide consultation and advice
to persons regarding the use of their prescription drugs.

The Board of Pharmacy may, at its discretion, refuse to issue
certificates to practice, or cause complaints to be filed with
the Administrative Hearing Commission for pharmacists involved
with personal use of unprescribed controlled substances.

The bill also contains provisions pertaining to activities
conducted by the Administrative Hearing Commission regarding
pharmacists who are under investigation.

The bill exempts prescriptions or orders for patients in long--
term care, hospice, or home health care from using the 2
signature line prescription form.  All prescription orders for
this type of care must inform the pharmacist whether a generic
substitute is permitted.

The bill also adds 2 new pharmacy permit classes:  Class H -
Sterile product compounding; and Class I - Consultant services.