The 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 new provisions stipulate that these staff members can convey dispensed drugs if they are prepared and sealed with two forms of identification and if the patient's identity is verified by the staff member. Additionally, the bill requires that drugs dispensed by medical practitioners must 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 provisions. Notably, it removes the requirement that drugs must be dispensed directly by the practitioner at their office, thereby allowing for more flexibility in drug dispensing practices. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to medications while ensuring that proper identification and counseling protocols are followed.

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(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: 37-2-104