The bill amends the Public Health Code by adding Section 7333c, which establishes specific responsibilities for pharmacists regarding the dispensing of addiction medications. Under this new section, pharmacists are required to make a good-faith effort to fill lawful orders for addiction medications without undue delay. If the medication is not in stock, the pharmacist must either expedite the ordering process or locate another pharmacy that has the medication available and transfer the order accordingly. Additionally, if a prescription for addiction medication is not filled, the pharmacist must return the prescription form to the patient upon request.

The bill also defines key terms related to the new requirements, including "addiction medication," which refers to controlled substances used to treat opioid use disorder, and clarifies what constitutes "undue delay" versus "valid delay." This legislative change aims to improve access to addiction treatment by ensuring that pharmacists actively assist patients in obtaining necessary medications in a timely manner.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 333.1101, 333.25211
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211
As Passed by the Senate: 333.1101, 333.25211