The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 5-19.1 entitled "Pharmacies," introducing changes to the licensing and fee structures for nonresident pharmacies, pharmacy interns, pharmacy technicians, and licensed pharmacists. Notably, it establishes that starting December 1, 2024, the renewal fee for a pharmacist license shall not exceed $250 biennially, the license fee for a nonresident pharmacy shall not be less than $625, and the licenses for pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians will be valid for a minimum of five years and two years, respectively. The bill also aligns the pharmacist licensing renewal period with the continuing education requirement period, which will start on January 1 and end on December 31 of each calendar year.

The bill specifies that nonresident pharmacies must be licensed by the department and comply with the state's board of pharmacy regulations when dispensing drugs or devices to residents. It also outlines the duty of the pharmacy owner to notify the department of any changes in location or ownership and states that the license becomes null and void if such changes occur. Additionally, the bill sets forth the conditions under which pharmacy interns and technicians can practice, including the requirement of immediate supervision by a licensed pharmacist for interns. The act is set to take effect upon passage.