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HF 4493

Pharmacists authorized to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder; and grounds for disciplinary action for pharmacists and pharmacist interns modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Baker and 2 co-sponsors

Pharmacists would be allowed to initiate, prescribe, dispense, and administer medications for opioid use disorder, with required training, documentation, and supervision.

Referred to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · HF 4493

Summary of HF 4493 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and Intent

HF 4493 expands the scope of practice for pharmacists in Minnesota to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It also updates grounds for disciplinary action for pharmacists and pharmacist interns. The bill modifies sections of the Minnesota Statutes to authorize pharmacist-led treatment of OUD under defined conditions, with accompanying requirements for training, documentation, and patient counseling.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authority to treat OUD (new authority for pharmacists):

    • Section 151.37 adds a new subdivision (18) permitting pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense, and administer drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in Schedules III–V, subject to standards and documentation requirements.
    • Pharmacists must determine, based on medically acceptable standards, that treatment is indicated and necessary, and must document the assessment, treatment plan, response, and monitoring in the patient’s health record.
    • Pharmacists cannot delegate prescribing authority for this function; an intern can prepare the prescription, but a licensed pharmacist must review, approve, and sign before processing/dispensing.
    • Pharmacists may participate in ongoing management of OUD drug therapy via protocols or collaborative practice agreements, consistent with other pharmacotherapy under existing sections.

  • Training and credentials for OUD treatment:

    • To prescribe under this new authority, pharmacists must complete a training program specifically developed for practitioners treating substance use disorders, aligned with 21 U.S.C. 823(m).
    • Pharmacists must have (or obtain) the appropriate DEA registration for the controlled substances involved.

  • Dispensing, counseling, and follow-up:

    • Before dispensing an OUD treatment drug prescribed by a pharmacist, counseling is required on proper use, follow-up, and other information per Minnesota Rules, part 6800.0910, subpart 2.

  • Scope of practice alignment:

    • The new OUD authority is integrated with existing pharmacist authority to participate in initiation, management, modification, and discontinuation of drug therapy under protocols with other practitioners (dentists, optometrists, physicians, PAs, Vets, NPs, etc.).

  • Grounds for disciplinary action (Section 151.071, Subd. 2):

    • Retains existing standards and adds new grounds consistent with professional conduct, including prohibitions on unprofessional conduct and maintaining patient records, among others. A new item (26) clarifies disciplinary action for conduct departing from accepted health care standards.

  • Pharmacist as prescriber of certain controlled substances (Section 152.12):

    • Adds a subdivision allowing a licensed pharmacist to prescribe, administer, and dispense Schedule III–V controlled substances that the pharmacist is authorized to handle under §151.37(18), with supervision of a pharmacist intern.

  • Prescription requirements (Section 152.11):

    • Maintains standard prescription controls for Schedule III–IV substances, with typical restrictions on refills and time limits, while excluding cannabis/hemp products from these provisions.

Who Is Affected

  • Pharmacists and pharmacist interns:

    • Pharmacists gain authority to treat OUD and prescribe related medications, with supervision and documentation requirements. Interns may assist with preparation under pharmacist oversight.

  • Patients with Opioid Use Disorder:

    • Potentially greater access to pharmacist-initiated OUD treatment, subject to training, documentation, and protocol requirements.

  • Professional boards and facilities:

    • Boards overseeing pharmacy practice will enforce new standards and disciplinary rules. Pharmacies may need protocols for OUD treatment and staff training.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • The bill was introduced and referred to Health Finance and Policy, with committee action in spring 2026 and subsequent floor actions anticipated in 2026.
  • Effective implementation would require:
    • Pharmacists completing the mandated OUD treatment training.
    • Procurement or confirmation of DEA registrations for the relevant controlled substances.
    • Development or adoption of protocols/collaborative practice agreements for OUD treatment where applicable.
    • Legislative amendments to align with 2024/2025 statutory references and subsequent 2025 Supplement references.

Note

HF 4493 attempts to enhance treatment accessibility for opioid use disorder through pharmacist-led care, while maintaining safeguards through training, documentation, and supervision requirements.

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

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