This 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 qualifications 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.

The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding the practice of pharmacy, including the scope of patient care services that pharmacists can provide under collaborative practice agreements. It specifies that patient care services include the prescription or administration of drugs, while explicitly excluding the prescription of abortion-inducing drugs. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limits of a pharmacist's education and training, requiring them to consult with other practitioners as necessary. 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