Pharmacists: drug disclosures.

The Pharmacy Law provides for the licensure and regulation of pharmacists by the California State Board of Pharmacy. Existing law requires a pharmacist to inform a patient orally or in writing of the harmful effects of a drug dispensed by prescription if a prescription drug poses a substantial risk to the person consuming the drug when taken in combination with alcohol or if the drug may impair a person's ability to drive a motor vehicle. This requirement applies when the board determines that the drug is a drug or drug type for which this warning shall be given. A violation of the Pharmacy Law is a crime. This bill would additionally require, on and after July 1, 2014, a pharmacist to include a written label on the drug container indicating that the drug may impair a person's ability to operate a vehicle or vessel if the pharmacist, in exercising his or her professional judgment, determines that the drug may impair a person's ability to operate a vehicle or vessel, as specified. Because a violation of this requirement would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.