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SF 5140

Operation of remote pickup sites authorization from which patients may obtain drugs and devices dispensed by a managing pharmacy

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jordan Rasmusson and 1 co-sponsor

Allows managing pharmacies to designate grocery stores as remote pickup sites for refills of legend drugs and devices, under strict safety, security, and recordkeeping oversight.

Referred to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · SF 5140

Summary of SF 5140 (2025-2026) – Operation of remote pickup sites for drugs and devices

purpose and intent
- This bill authorizes the operation of remote pickup sites where patients or their designees can obtain legend drugs and medical devices that are dispensed by a managing pharmacy.
- It creates a framework for designating grocery-store–based locations as remote pickup sites and establishes regulatory oversight by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

Key provisions and changes

  • Pharmacy licensure and operation

    • Retains general licensure requirements for pharmacies; no entity may operate a pharmacy without a Minnesota Pharmacy Board license.
    • Distinguishes between pharmacies located in and outside Minnesota, and outlines licensure and compliance expectations for both.
    • Remote pickup sites (RPS) operate under the managing pharmacy’s license rather than requiring a separate license.

  • Remote pickup site (RPS) designation and operation

    • A managing pharmacy may designate one or more grocery stores as remote pickup sites at which patients may obtain legend drugs and devices dispensed for the patient by a pharmacist at the managing pharmacy.
    • RPS can only transfer to the site legend drugs and devices dispensed to refill a patient’s prescription; it cannot transfer drugs for new prescriptions or for changes in strength/dosage from a prior prescription.
    • The managing pharmacy and the pharmacist in charge are responsible for the operation of the RPS; the RPS must be compliant with the statute.

  • Board approval and oversight

    • To operate an RPS, the managing pharmacy must apply to the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy with specified information (including license details, site details, policies/procedures, security measures, and a sample patient receipt/log).
    • The Board reviews applications and may approve if the operation would comply with the section and maintain patient safety and drug security.
    • If the managed site ceases operation, the managing pharmacy must notify the Board within seven days.

  • Storage, security, and access

    • Legend drugs and devices at the RPS must be stored in locked cabinets, drawers, or secure kiosks.
    • Each item must be in an opaque, sealed container or bag with only patient name (and designee, if applicable) visible; a receipt must be placed inside the bag.
    • Access to drugs at the RPS is controlled by staff designated by the pharmacist in charge; staff must complete required training.

  • Verification, pickup, and counseling

    • Before dispensing to a patient or designee, staff must verify the patient’s identity using a government-issued ID.
    • The patient or designee must sign a log (paper or electronic) to verify receipt.
    • Secure kiosks require a unique identifier for accessing the patient’s drugs; the kiosk logs date/time of removal.

  • Records, inventory, and disposition

    • The pharmacist in charge must maintain a record of all legend drugs and devices delivered to the RPS.
    • At least once every seven days, trained staff at the RPS inventory the site’s holdings and provide a list to the pharmacist in charge.
    • The RPS must have a policy for the return to the managing pharmacy or disposal of unpicked-up drugs and devices.
    • A listed roster of staff with access to medications must be maintained, with annual policy/review and monthly site visits by the pharmacist in charge or designee to ensure compliance.

  • Patient counseling

    • The pharmacist in charge must establish processes to offer patient counseling (via electronic, written, or telephone means) to patients/patients’ designees picking up at the RPS.
    • Procedures must include guidance for obtaining a replacement if drug integrity is compromised before pickup.

  • Rulemaking authority

    • The Board of Pharmacy is authorized to adopt rules to implement and detail the provisions of this section.

Affected parties and scope

  • Managing pharmacies: Entities that will operate remote pickup sites under their license; responsible for site security, records, inventories, and compliance.
  • Patients and designees: Individuals in Minnesota who may obtain prescription legend drugs and devices through designated grocery-store remote pickup sites (for refills only).
  • Remote pickup sites: Grocery stores designated by the managing pharmacy; must meet storage, security, verification, and recordkeeping requirements.
  • Board of Pharmacy: Regulatory body authorized to approve remote pickup sites, oversee compliance, and establish rules.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Application to establish an RPS: Required for managing pharmacies seeking to operate remote pickup sites (form and content specified by the Board).
  • Board approval process: Board reviews applications to ensure safety and compliance prior to operation.
  • Ongoing duties: Regular inventory (every 7 days), annual staff policy reviews, and monthly site visits by the pharmacist in charge.
  • Post-cessation notice: Managing pharmacy must notify the Board within 7 days of ceasing to operate an RPS.

Overall impact

  • Provides a structured mechanism to increase access to refilled legend drugs and devices through convenient remote pickup locations.
  • Sets security, identity verification, counseling, and recordkeeping requirements to protect patient safety and ensure proper handling of medications.
  • Introduces regulatory oversight and a clear pathway for pharmacies to implement remote pickup operations.

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

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