SB 291 - This act charges the Board of Pharmacy with the duty of issuing wholesale drug distributor licenses to those who distribute prescription drugs to persons other than consumers or patients. Certain information must be delivered to the board with a license request including names, addresses, descriptions of the operation, and descriptions of any offenses. Physical inspections must be made of in-state facilities prior to licensing and designated representatives must meet certain criteria. Potential licensees must post a bond of at least $100,000 or equivalent means of security acceptable to the board. The act provides for the renewal of licenses and continuing education requirements.
Once in operation, a manufacturer or wholesale distributor shall furnish prescription drugs only to persons licensed by the Board of Pharmacy. The drugs shall be delivered only to the premises on the license to a licensed individual, or to an authorized person if the identity and authorization is established and the use of such a method is immediately necessary.
Licensees must establish and maintain inventories and records of all transactions including records of pedigrees for all prescription drugs that leave the normal distribution channel. The Board of Pharmacy shall study and decide the viability of instituting an electronic pedigree system. Requirements for maintaining and identifying information in pedigrees is established.
The act authorizes the board to issue orders ceasing the distribution of prescription drugs by licensees in light of certain violations. Upon such a determination, such licensees shall be afforded a hearing. The board may refuse to issue any license in certain instances and upon such refusal the applicant may file a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Commission.
Conviction of any violation under the act shall result in a Class C felony.
CHRIS HOGERTY