The House last night overwhelmingly approved a consumer-friendly bill that would allow pharmacists to refill 90-day-maximum supplies of drugs that are not controlled substances for patients who cannot get in touch with their physicians. The bill, approved 123-25 shortly after 9 p.m., heads to the Senate and if approved there and signed into law by the governor would require pharmacists to inform prescribing doctors within 48 hours. Those who voted against it included Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, D-Fairfield, Rep. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton, Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, R-Newtown, Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor, R-New Milford and Rep. Richard A. Smith, R-New Fairfield.
Here is the analysis from the Office of Legislative Research:
“This bill allows a pharmacist to refill a prescription once, for up to a 90-day supply, without the prescribing practitioner’s authorization if:
1. failure to refill might jeopardize the patient’s health or cause him or her to suffer;
2. the pharmacist informs the patient, or his or her representative, when dispensing the refill that it does not have the practitioner’s authorization; and
3. the pharmacist informs the practitioner, at the earliest reasonable time, that authorization is required for future refills.
The bill prohibits refilling controlled drugs under this procedure, which under the law are generally those with a depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogenic effect upon the higher functions of the central nervous system and tend to promote abuse or dependence.”