House Bill No. 7179, also known as Public Act No. 25-171, introduces significant changes to the regulation of pharmaceutical marketing and the dispensing of veterinary drugs. The bill requires pharmaceutical manufacturers with representatives to register annually as pharmaceutical marketing firms, with a registration fee of $150 and a late fee of $100 for late renewals. These firms must provide a list of their representatives to the Department of Public Health, which will maintain a public list of representatives while protecting their home addresses. Additionally, the bill allows licensed veterinarians to authorize individuals to dispense prescription veterinary drugs under their supervision and updates regulations for the sale of nonlegend drugs, permitting their sale in vending machines operated by businesses with the appropriate permits.

The bill also includes specific amendments regarding the distribution of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, by allowing individuals to distribute it through secure boxes without needing a permit, provided certain conditions are met. It modifies the permit application process for selling nonlegend drugs, allowing fee waivers for those distributing without compensation. The bill clarifies definitions and requirements for secure boxes, emphasizing the responsibilities of prescribing practitioners and pharmacists, and includes provisions for the operation of vending machines that dispense opioid antagonists. These machines must adhere to environmental controls and display necessary information about overdose signs, usage instructions, and treatment services. The bill also protects practitioners from civil liability related to the dispensing of opioid antagonists and grants the Commissioner of Consumer Protection the authority to adopt relevant regulations.

Statutes affected:
Public Act No. 25-171: 20-623, 20-624