California: Don’t hamstring out-of-state pharmacies

The California Board of Pharmacy is proposing a new rule that would define a central fill pharmacy as a pharmacy “operated within California” and “licensed by the Board.” In other words, it would effectively bar nonresident pharmacies from acting as central fill providers in the state.

With our friends at NCPA, APC submitted a formal comment letter to the California Board of Pharmacy opposing this rule change. 

Instead, we think the rule should align with the existing Business and Professions Code. That allows nonresident pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs to California residents so long as they obtain a nonresident pharmacy license and comply with all requirements the board imposes on in-state pharmacies. 

Why not simply impose that same requirement on out-of-state central-fill pharmacies? It’s a simpler and more-fair solution that protects patients and keeps competition healthy while avoiding the disruption the proposed changes would cause.