Bill > SB418

This bill authorizes pharmacists to perform "therapeutic interchange," which means substituting a prescribed drug with another drug from the same therapeutic class if the substitution is cheaper or the same price for the patient, or if the prescribed drug is experiencing a shortage. A drug shortage is defined as appearing on either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) drug shortage lists. The bill also allows pharmacists to "adapt" prescriptions, which includes changing the dosage form, strength, directions, or quantity of a medication, or filling in missing information, as long as it's in the patient's best interest and supported by evidence. Pharmacists must notify the prescriber within 24 hours of making a therapeutic interchange. The Board of Pharmacy will be responsible for creating regulations to determine which drug classes are eligible for therapeutic interchange and which are prohibited, and this authority is being added to existing laws that prohibit certain actions related to drug dispensing.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB418