Senate updates pharmacy practice law to modernize patient communications, tighten audits

The Senate on Feb. 20 approved second substitute Senate Bill 207, a collection of technical and substantive updates to the Pharmacy Practice Act requested largely by the State Pharmacy Board.

Sponsor and presenters said changes reflect modern practice: patient information may be delivered orally, in writing, by email or via QR code; mail‑order (class D) pharmacies and pharmacies generally were updated to reflect current operational norms; the pharmacist in charge is required to ensure fingerprint background checks where applicable; and hospital practitioners may dispense a two‑day emergency supply of medication under professional judgment when access to another pharmacy is not available.

The bill clarified audit provisions: audits may review up to 200 prescriptions annually, auditors are prohibited from using extrapolation methods to assess error rates or monetary value, and pharmacies are allowed to correct technical errors without punitive escalation. Supporters said the changes modernize requirements and protect pharmacies from disproportionate audit penalties.

After a brief presentation and no extended debate, the Senate passed the second substitute by roll call, 26 yes, 0 nay, 3 absent. The bill will be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Direct quotes and detailed audit provisions were presented on the floor; the sponsor described the changes as updating outdated requirements and aligning language with companion House measures.