This bill amends Section 37-2-104 of the Montana Code Annotated to allow health care staff members, other than medical practitioners, to dispense drugs under specific conditions. The amendments include provisions that require drugs to be prepared and sealed with two forms of identification by the provider and that the patient’s identity must be verified by the staff member conveying the drugs. Additionally, the bill stipulates that drugs dispensed by medical practitioners must now include an offer of counseling from the practitioner, enhancing patient support during the dispensing process.

The bill also clarifies existing regulations regarding the dispensing of drugs by medical practitioners, including the requirement for registration with the board of pharmacy and compliance with various legal standards. It maintains restrictions on dispensing controlled substances and outlines exceptions for emergency situations and specific circumstances where a medical practitioner may dispense drugs without a pharmacy available. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to medications while ensuring safety and compliance with health regulations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-2-104
SB0456_1(1): 37-2-104
SB0456_1(2): 37-2-104
SB0456_1(3): 37-2-104
SB0456_1(4): 37-2-104
SB0456_1: 37-2-104
SB0456_2: 37-2-104
SB0456_X(1): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(10): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(11): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(12): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(13): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(2): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(3): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(4): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(5): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(6): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(7): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(8): 37-2-104
SB0456_X(9): 37-2-104
SB0456_X: 37-2-104