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South Dakota News: Legislation Affecting Pharmacists
Published in the April 2007 South Dakota State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter
Every pharmacist needs to be aware that during the yearly legislative process, laws may be adopted that affect the way you practice pharmacy. The adoption of Medicare Part D has had a profound effect on how many pharmacists practice, especially those in the retail business.
During the 2007 session, the South Dakota Legislature is considering legislation to require drug pedigrees for all prescription drugs purchased by pharmacies. The act revises certain provisions concerning wholesale distributors. This could affect the way we receive drugs, borrow drugs, and return drugs.
The Board of Pharmacy has also sponsored legislation that will allow the Board to promulgate rules to establish telepharmacies for underserved areas of the state and to charge a fee for licensure.
Proposed Senate Bill 211 would have prevented a pharmacist from dispensing an equivalent drug product for antiepileptic drugs without prior notification or written consent from the prescriber. This would have caused a delay in patients receiving their medications as well as reduced the pharmacists’ ability to use their professional training. This bill was tabled to the 41st day.
There were other bills that dealt with medications but were not considered to affect the practice of pharmacy.
House Bill 1030 adds another member to the Board of Pharmacy so the number will increase from four members to five members. This bill has already passed and has been signed by Governor Mike Rounds.
Pharmacists are reminded they must be more aware and more involved with what goes on in their profession. Pharmacists are highly educated and their education can serve the public well. The pharmacist’s value is a proven fact, but there are always those who wish to serve their own interest and offer legislation to limit a pharmacist’s ability to practice.
