The bill amends various sections of Alaska's pharmacy laws to enhance the prescription and administration of drugs by pharmacists, as well as to establish new requirements for licensure and continuing education. Key changes include the addition of provisions that require pharmacists to complete education in pain management and opioid use and addiction as part of their licensure process and continuing education requirements. Specifically, applicants for licensure must now demonstrate education in these areas unless they hold a valid federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration number. Additionally, the bill mandates that pharmacists who prescribe or administer controlled substances must register with the controlled substance prescription database.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding the practice of pharmacy, including the independent prescribing and administration of drugs and devices. It specifies that patient care services provided by pharmacists must be in collaboration with a non-pharmacist practitioner and outlines the responsibilities of pharmacists in recognizing their limits of education and training. The bill also repeals a previous section related to collaborative practice agreements, streamlining the regulations governing pharmacy practice. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0147A, AM SB 147, introduced 03/26/2025: 08.80.030, 17.30.200, 08.80.168, 17.22.020, 17.20.085, 08.80.159, 08.80.110, 08.80.145, 08.80.165, 08.80.337, 08.80.480
SB0147B, AM CSSB 147(L&C), introduced 05/12/2025: 08.80.030, 17.30.200, 08.80.168, 17.22.020, 17.20.085, 08.80.159, 08.80.110, 08.80.145, 08.80.165, 08.80.337, 08.80.480