The bill amends Chapter 5-19.1 of the General Laws, titled "Pharmacies," by introducing a new section, 5-19.1-37, which allows pharmacists to dispense a one-time refill of a prescription for the continuation of therapy under specific conditions. This provision applies when a pharmacist is unable to obtain refill authorization from the prescriber or when the patient does not have a prescriber. The refill can be for up to 100 days of the prescribed medication, provided that: (1) the medication is not classified as a Schedule II-V controlled substance; (2) the medication is essential for the maintenance of life or the continuation of therapy for a chronic condition; (3) in the pharmacist's professional judgment, interrupting the therapy could reasonably produce undesirable health consequences or cause physical or mental discomfort; and (4) the dispensing pharmacist notifies the prescriber of the refill within seven business days, or documents the absence of a prescriber if applicable.

This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.