Pharmacies: automatic refills.

Existing law, the Pharmacy Law, provides for the licensure and regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies by the California State Board of Pharmacy, and makes a willful violation of those provisions a misdemeanor. Existing law prohibits a prescription for any dangerous drug or dangerous device to be refilled except upon authorization of the prescriber. This bill would, commencing January 1, 2022, prohibit a pharmacy from using an automated computer system to contact a prescriber to authorize a prescription for any dangerous drug or device to be refilled for more than a 30-day supply unless the prescriber or patient has authorized the pharmacy to do so. The bill would prohibit a pharmacy from requesting more than the number of refills authorized in the original prescription. The bill would exempt certain pharmacies owned or operated by a nonprofit health care service plan, as specified, and "correctional pharmacies" as defined in existing law. Because the bill would expand the scope of 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.