WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 4803

Relates to allowing pharmacies to store medication in automated dispensing machines

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeffrey Dinowitz

Authorizes pharmacies to store medications in automated dispensing machines, boosting efficiency and access for patients while requiring oversight and safety measures.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4803

Summary of Bill A 4803

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 4803
  • Title: Relates to allowing pharmacies to store medication in automated dispensing machines
  • Sponsor: Jeffrey Dinowitz (primary)
  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Status: REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION (as of the latest action)
  • Classification: bill

Legislative Actions

  • 2025-02-06: Referred to Higher Education (listed twice in the record)
  • The bill has not yet advanced beyond committee action in the provided status.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to authorize or authorize-expanded use of automated dispensing machines by pharmacies to store medications. This signals a shift toward leveraging automation to manage medication storage and retrieval, potentially improving efficiency and access to medications in various pharmacy settings.

Key Provisions (Based on Title and Summary; specific language not provided)

  • The exact text of provisions is not included in the summary. Expected topics in a bill of this type typically include:
    • Definition of “automated dispensing machines” and scope of medications eligible for storage in these machines.
    • Requirements for operation, security, and inventory control.
    • Pharmacist oversight and supervisory requirements.
    • Compliance with existing pharmacy practice laws, patient safety standards, and privacy regulations.
    • Labeling, accuracy, and audit trail requirements for dispensed medications.
    • Training or qualifications for staff operating or maintaining automated devices.
    • Maintenance, accreditation, or inspection standards.

Note: The above provisions are common components of automation-related pharmacy bills but are not confirmed in the provided material for A 4803.

Affected Parties and Institutions

  • Primary affected entities: Pharmacies that would adopt automated dispensing machines.
  • Patients/consumers: Potentially improved access and faster dispensing, depending on implementation.
  • Educational oversight: Given the referral to the Higher Education committee, there may be implications for pharmacy education and training standards, or for institutions involved in professional education and credentialing related to pharmacy practice.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill has been referred to the Committee on Higher Education. No additional committee votes, amendments, or floor actions are listed in the provided information.
  • Related bills from prior sessions (A 7806, A 215, A 7195) suggest prior interest or attempts to address similar topics; their exact relationship to A 4803 is not specified in the summary.

Related Bills

  • A 7806 (prior-session)
  • A 215 (prior-session)
  • A 7195 (prior-session)

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Operational impact: Could enable pharmacies to optimize space and workflow with automation; may require capital investment in machines and software.
  • Safety and compliance: Will depend on the bill’s specific security, verification, and oversight requirements.
  • Access and efficiency: May reduce wait times and improve medication availability, particularly in high-volume settings.
  • Workforce implications: May necessitate additional training for pharmacists and technicians; potential changes to staffing models.

If you have access to the bill’s full text, I can provide a more detailed, section-by-section breakdown of provisions and compliance requirements.

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

Sign in to ask a question.