A bill requiring the e-prescribing of controlled substances has passed both chambers and will soon be on Gov. Eric Holcomb’s (R) desk for signature. SB 176, sponsored by pharmacist Sen. Ron Grooms (R), was amended in the House Health Committee to include e-prescribing language similar to the NACDS model language, and both chambers subsequently passed the bill unanimously. NACDS supported the on-the-ground efforts of the Indiana Retail Council to advance this critical bill.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The House Health Committee unanimously voted last week to amend e-prescribing language into SB 176. The bill would require all controlled substance prescriptions to be transmitted electronically effective January 1, 2021. The bill contains similar exceptions to NACDS’ model language. Additionally, the amended bill contains language requiring a summer study of e-prescribing for all prescriptions. NACDS continues to support the on-the-ground efforts of the Indiana Retail Council to advance it.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The General Assembly adjourned the 2018 Legislative Session on March 14. Two bills related to opioids that were of concern to pharmacy did not advance. SB 338 would have required the Department of Health to establish a statewide drug takeback program. The bill did not receive a committee hearing. SB 339, which was reported from committee, but not taken up by the full Senate, would have mandated that pharmacists dispense all Schedule II controlled substances in lockable vials. NACDS supported the Indiana Retail Council’s efforts to represent pharmacies’ concerns with both proposals.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.

The Senate Committee on Civil Law reported out an amended version of SB 339, sponsored by Sen. James Merritt (R). As proposed, the bill would have required that a pharmacy dispense all Schedule II controlled substances in a lockable vial. The amended bill would require a pharmacist to offer patients the option of receiving their prescriptions in lockable vials. NACDS is supporting the on-the-ground efforts of the Indiana Retail Council to oppose this bill, which is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.