Since October 2022, thousands of patients – with conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, depression, or impulsivity – have had to endure persistent shortages or disruptions to their prescribed stimulant medications. Disrupted access to prescription stimulant medications can increase risk of injury and overdose.
 
To help alleviate medication disruptions federal regulation were changed in August 2023 that now allow patients with the ability request their electronic prescription be transferred to another pharmacy without having to go back to their practitioner to initiate the request. Prior to this change, patients would have to go through their practitioner to cancel their prescription and have it re-issued to a different pharmacy. The process was taxing and time consuming for both patients and practitioners.
 
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania law presently prohibits prescription transfers of schedule II-controlled substances – such as many stimulant medications – leaving Commonwealth residents to experience treatment gaps that could otherwise be avoided under the new federal rule. This is why I plan to introduce legislation that will align our rules with federal policy to permit electronic transfer of certain prescribed controlled substances between pharmacies. 
 
Please join me in this simple but effective public health proposal to improve patient care.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0037: P.L.1700, No.699
Printer's No. 0474: P.L.1700, No.699