H 2509
An Act relative to the availability of prescription medication during an emergency
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to ensure access to prescription medications during emergencies. It aims to allow pharmacists to dispense medications without a prescription if certain criteria are met, such as a written statement from a patient or healthcare provider. The goal is to address situations where immediate access to necessary medications is crucial due to unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters or public health emergencies. This legislation builds upon previous attempts to address similar issues.
Key provisions
- Allows pharmacists to dispense prescription medications without a valid prescription during a declared emergency.
- Requires a written statement from the patient or healthcare provider confirming the medication is medically necessary.
- Specifies criteria for determining the emergency situation.
- Establishes guidelines for pharmacists regarding dispensing practices.
- Requires the Department of Public Health to develop regulations to implement the law.
Who is affected
- Patients
- Pharmacists
- Healthcare Providers
- The Pharmaceutical Industry
- The Department of Public Health
Notable changes
- Expands upon existing emergency dispensing provisions.
- Introduces requirements for documentation and verification.
- Mandates the creation of regulations by the Department of Public Health.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Edward R. Philips
Cosponsor
Edward R. Philips
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.2509 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the availability of prescription medication during an emergency
By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2509) of Edward R. Philips relative to the availability of prescription medication during an emergency. Public Health.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Edward R. Philips
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.2509
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/6/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/11/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 9/11/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Thursday, October 9, 2025 |
| 3/16/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5234 |
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