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 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 introduces new standards for the independent prescribing and administration of controlled substances, including the requirement for pharmacists to register with the controlled substance prescription database.

The bill also modifies the definition of "practice of pharmacy" to include the provision of patient care services and establishes that pharmacists must recognize their educational limits when prescribing or administering drugs. Furthermore, it allows for the licensing of pharmacists from other jurisdictions under certain conditions, including the completion of the new education requirements. The changes aim to improve the quality of pharmaceutical care and address the growing concerns surrounding opioid use and management. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0195A, AM HB 195, introduced 04/15/2025: 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