2019 Senate Bill 340 / 2020 Public Act 4

Authorize remote "satellite" pharmacies

Introduced in the Senate

May 22, 2019

Introduced by Sen. Curtis VanderWall (R-35)

To permit “remote pharmacies” that use a "telepharmacy system" to sell prescription drugs, in which a "continuous, real-time audio and video link to connect a pharmacist parent pharmacy with a remote pharmacy operated by the parent pharmacy.” Licensed “pharmacy technicians” at the remote site would dispense drugs under the remote supervision of a licensed pharmacist under rules and restrictions specified in the bill. Among other provisions the bill would require that patients be able to communicate with the licensed pharmacist through the system.

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy and Human Services

June 18, 2019

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 4, 2019

Amendment offered

The amendment passed by voice vote

Sept. 5, 2019

Passed in the Senate 32 to 6 (details)

Received in the House

Sept. 5, 2019

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

Nov. 5, 2019

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

Dec. 4, 2019

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 11, 2019

Passed in the House 98 to 10 (details)

To permit “remote pharmacies” that use a "telepharmacy system" to sell prescription drugs, in which a "continuous, real-time audio and video link to connect a pharmacist parent pharmacy with a remote pharmacy operated by the parent pharmacy.” Licensed “pharmacy technicians” at the remote site would dispense drugs under the remote supervision of a licensed pharmacist under rules and restrictions specified in the bill. Among other provisions the bill would require that patients be able to communicate with the licensed pharmacist through the system.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 19, 2019

Jan. 8, 2020

Passed in the Senate 32 to 5 (details)

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Jan. 24, 2020