Bill > LD239

This bill allows retail pharmacies to establish remote dispensing sites in rural areas with limited access to pharmacy services. The Maine Board of Pharmacy is required to develop and adopt comprehensive rules for these remote dispensing sites by June 30, 2026. These rules must address several key aspects, including demonstrating a lack of adequate pharmacy services in the geographic area, authorizing licensed pharmacists to provide supervision and patient services through telehealth technologies, setting minimum staffing requirements for pharmacy technicians, and establishing protocols for record keeping, security, and surveillance. Importantly, retail pharmacies cannot operate these remote dispensing sites until the Board of Pharmacy completes its rule-making process. The rules will be classified as routine technical rules, which typically means they are subject to legislative review but can be implemented more quickly than major regulatory changes. The overall goal of the bill appears to be improving pharmacy access for residents in underserved rural communities by creating a framework for remote pharmaceutical services.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=239&snum=132