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HD 2609

An Act relative to the availability of prescription medication during an emergency

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Pharmacists may dispense 30-day emergency medication supplies without prescriber authorization during emergencies to prevent treatment interruptions for chronic conditions.

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Bill Summary · HD 2609

Legislative bill overview

HD 2609 allows licensed pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day emergency supply of prescription medications without a prescriber's authorization during declared emergencies or when a patient cannot reasonably obtain a prescription. The bill aims to ensure continuity of care when normal pharmaceutical supply chains or prescriber access are disrupted by circumstances beyond a patient's control.

Why is this important

During emergencies—whether natural disasters, public health crises, or temporary prescriber unavailability—patients may face dangerous medication gaps for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or mental health disorders. This bill prevents potentially serious health deterioration by empowering pharmacists to act as a safety valve when normal systems fail, while maintaining some guardrails through the 30-day limit and emergency conditions requirement.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "emergency" definition: The bill's effectiveness depends on how broadly or narrowly "emergency" is defined; vague language could enable overuse, while overly restrictive definitions might limit its practical utility.
  • Liability and oversight: Unclear whether pharmacists bear liability for adverse drug interactions or contraindications they may not detect without full prescriber records, and what oversight mechanisms exist.
  • Controlled substance exclusions: The bill likely excludes Schedule II-IV controlled substances, creating gaps for patients dependent on opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines during emergencies, though this reflects federal DEA restrictions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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