Sen. Vitelli introduces bill to support long-term care pharmacies
AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Feb. 9, Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, introduced LD 252, “An Act to Relating to Long-term Care Pharmacies,” before the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services. LD 252 would create a new category of pharmacy facility licensure for long-term care pharmacies. It would also add a long-term care pharmacist to the Maine Board of Pharmacy.
“The idea for this bill was brought to me by a Topsham constituent who runs a long-term care pharmacy just across the river in Brunswick,” said Sen. Vitelli. “During our conversation, it became clear that long-term care pharmacies — which provide a critical service for residents of assisted living centers and nursing homes across the district — need some support. Today I was proud to introduce this bill that would add a long-term care pharmacist to the Board of Pharmacy and recognize the distinct service long-term care pharmacies provide to people across the district — and the state.”
The Maine Board of Pharmacy was established to protect the public through the regulation of pharmacies and pharmacists in Maine. The Board has the following responsibilities: examine and license qualified applicants for licensure in the categories of Pharmacists or Pharmacists Assistants; regulate and control the sale, character and standards of all drugs, poisons and medicines; inspect all apothecaries, dispensaries and locations where pharmaceuticals are manufactured, stored, distributed, compounded, dispersed or retailed; secure and analyze samples of drugs; and keep a record of all persons examined and registered. There are currently seven members on the Board.
“The specialized nature of a long-term care pharmacy’s scope of services truly suggest a need for representation on the Maine Board of Pharmacy,” wrote Amy Enos of Brunswick-based Guardian Pharmacy of Maine. “This is no different than requiring representation from a hospital pharmacist or an independent retail pharmacist.”
LD 252 now faces further action in committee.
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