Community-Based Pharmacy Protections.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Jim Burgin and 8 co-sponsors

The bill broadens the definition of independent pharmacy to include community-based, independently owned stores, expanding protections and regulatory scope for such pharmacies.

Passed 1st Reading

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Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to redefine what constitutes an “independent pharmacy” to explicitly include community-based pharmacies operating under independent ownership.

It seeks to broaden protections or considerations for such independent, community-based pharmacies within the state’s regulatory framework.

Key Provisions

1) Redefinition of “Independent Pharmacy”

Amends G.S. 58-51-37(6) to expand the definition of “Independent pharmacy.”

Current language (as rewritten) targets a pharmacy that is part of a small group (10 or fewer pharmacies under common ownership) with at least one of two criteria:

Non-publicly traded
Has a pharmacy-focused core business objective

The bill’s title and framing indicate inclusion of all community-based pharmacies operating under independent ownership within the definition, effectively broadening what qualifies as independent.

2) Funding for SCRIPT Act Implementation

Allocates $100,000 (nonrecurring) from the General Fund to the Department of Insurance.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Purpose: To support implementation and enforcement of provisions related to S.L. 2025-69 (The SCRIPT Act).

3) Effective Date

The act, except as otherwise provided, becomes effective upon becoming law.

Who and What Is Affected

Independent Community-Based Pharmacies: Those operating under independent ownership will be included in the statutory definition of “Independent pharmacy,” which can affect regulatory treatment, protections, and oversight under state law.

Department of Insurance: Receives funding for the SCRIPT Act implementation/enforcement, indicating a role in administering or enforcing the related provisions.

ScriPT Act Provisions (S.L. 2025-69): The bill ties funding and enforcement to the SCRIPT Act, implying accompanying regulatory or operational changes under that act.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Effective Date of Provisions: Generally effective upon becoming law.

Funding Availability: $100,000 in nonrecurring General Fund monies available starting July 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support SCRIPT Act implementation/enforcement.

Status: Filed in the Senate on April 28, 2026; sponsors include Senators Hise (primary), Galey, and Burgin, with co-sponsors.

Potential Implications

By broadening the independent pharmacy definition, more community-based, independently owned pharmacies may gain protections or regulatory considerations associated with “independent” status.

The SCRIPT Act funding signals ongoing regulatory or enforcement activities, potentially affecting compliance costs or operational requirements for affected pharmacies.

Stakeholders may include independent pharmacy owners, pharmacy staff, patients relying on local community pharmacies, and the Department of Insurance.

Notes:
- The bill text focuses on definitional changes and a modest funding allocation to support related statutory implementation.
- Specific protections or duties tied to the broadened definition would be further clarified in the SCRIPT Act provisions and related regulatory guidance.

Bill