Bill > H5855

This bill amends Rhode Island law to expand the types of products that pharmacists may prescribe as substitutes, specifically adding "devices and supplies" and "therapeutically equivalent drugs and pharmaceuticals" to the existing regulations. The bill introduces several key provisions: pharmacists must document any therapeutic substitution on the prescription and notify the prescribing provider within seven days, pharmacists are not mandated to make substitutions, and patients are not required to accept medication substitutions. The legislation also clarifies that therapeutic interchange applies to both initial and ongoing treatments. Additionally, the bill provides liability protections for pharmacists and prescribers when making such substitutions. For device substitutions, pharmacists may only substitute products that are approved for the same indication, use, and monitoring method. The bill includes specific examples like glucose monitoring devices and insulin administration supplies. Importantly, the bill specifies that therapeutic substitutions must meet existing FDA standards and will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving healthcare providers and systems time to prepare for the new guidelines.

Health and Social Services

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