CALIFORNIA PHARMACY-LICENSE RESTRICTION BILL AMENDMENT

Executive Summary

CALIFORNIA PHARMACY-LICENSE RESTRICTION BILL AMENDMENT to allow mfrs. involved in delivery of home health care services to obtain pharmacy licenses is under discussion among state legislative staffers and the state's pharmacists assn., and four mfrs. Representatives from Baxter Travenol, Abbott, American Hospital Supply, and J&J met on May 2 with the Caifornia Pharmacists Assn. and staff from State Sen. Art Torres' office to discuss a proposed amendment to the bill. The revised language was reportedly drafted by Baxter, AHSC and Abbott. The bill, introduced by Torres and passed April 28 by the state's Senate Business & Professions Cmte., would deny pharmacy licenses to "a mfr. of pharmaceuticals or to a corporation or partnership in which 10% or more of the shares or business is owned by a mfr. of pharmaceuticals." The bill is indicative of concern in the pharmacy community about the growing interest among mfrs. in direct delivery of health services. The mfrs.' suggested amendment to the bill would allow a mfr. to hold a pharmacy license if "the mfr. generally provides drugs to a patient in the patient's home or at a health care institution and if the mfr. generally does not dispense such drugs to a patient within its pharmacy." Reportedly, Senate floor action on the bill is being delayed while discussions on the revision continue.