HB 14
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader - Revised
House Bill 14 (Delegate Kerr)
Health and Government Operations Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Pharmacists - Prescription Drug and Device Labels - Expiration Dates
This emergency bill specifies, for drugs and devices dispensed by a pharmacist in the
manufacturer’s original packaging, that the expiration date included on the label must be
(1) the expiration date set by the manufacturer or (2) a shorter period as determined by the
pharmacist.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill does not substantively change State activities or operations.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: Minimal.
Analysis
Current Law: Except for a drug or device dispensed to an inpatient in a hospital or related
institution, each drug or device dispensed must be labeled in a specified manner. In addition
to any other information required by law, the label must include the date filled and, unless
otherwise required by the prescriber, an expiration date that must be the lesser of:
 one year from the date of dispensing;
 the month and year when the drugs or devices expire;
 the appropriate expiration date for repackaged drugs or devices; or
 a shorter period as determined by the pharmacist.
Any appropriate special handling instructions regarding proper storage and the name and
strength of the drugs or devices must also be included, as specified. In general, the label
must indicate the same name for the drug or device as that used by the authorized
prescriber.
If an authorized prescriber dispenses a drug or device, the prescriber must label each
container, including an expiration date of the drugs or devices, which must be the lesser of:
 one year from the date of dispensing;
 the month and year when the drugs or devices expire; or
 a shorter period as determined by the authorized prescriber.
Labeling requirements do not apply if the authorized prescriber dispenses the drug or
device (1) to an inpatient in a hospital or related institution; (2) in an emergency situation;
or (3) as a sample drug or device dispensed in the regular course of the authorized
prescriber’s practice.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Maryland Department of Health; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 13, 2021
rh/ljm Third Reader - March 15, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - March 15, 2021
Analysis by: Jennifer B. Chasse Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 14/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Pharmacists - Prescription Drug and Device Labels - Expiration Dates: 12-505 Health Occupations
Text - Third - Pharmacists - Prescription Drug and Device Labels - Expiration Dates: 12-505 Health Occupations