SB 872

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law, the Pharmacy Law, requires the California State Board of Pharmacy within the Department of Consumer Affairs to license and regulate the practice of pharmacy, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies. Existing law prohibits a person from conducting a pharmacy unless they have obtained an annual license from the board, for each pharmacy owned or operated by a specific person. Existing law requires a separate license for each of the premises of any person operating a pharmacy in more than one location. Existing law authorizes the board to allow the temporary use of a mobile pharmacy when a pharmacy is destroyed or damaged, the mobile pharmacy is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public, and prescribed conditions are met. Existing law makes a knowing violation of its provisions a crime. This bill would authorize a county or a city and county to operate a licensed mobile unit to provide prescription medication within its jurisdiction to specified individuals, including those individuals without fixed addresses. The bill would authorize a mobile unit to dispense prescription medication pursuant to a valid prescription if the county or the city and county meets prescribed requirements for licensure, staffing, and operations. The bill would authorize the board to license such a mobile unit. Because a knowing violation of the bill's requirements 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.