HARRISBURG – In an effort to extend protections to residents who use out-of-state pharmacies that regularly do business with customers from the Commonwealth, Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) sponsored HB 75, which was passed by the House on February 25. The bill would require out-of-state pharmacies to register with the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy if they fill prescriptions for Commonwealth residents.
Specifically, House Bill 75 would require nonresident pharmacies to register with the Board of Pharmacy every two years and report to the board within 30 days of any disciplinary action taken by the licensing agency in the pharmacy’s home state. It also prohibits nonresident pharmacies from advertising their services in Pennsylvania unless they are registered.
“Many residents who live along the borders of Pennsylvania, or who cross state lines for work, may use a pharmacy in a neighboring state to fill their prescriptions; however, because these pharmacies are not registered with the state, we have no oversight or ability to address complaints filed by Commonwealth residents,” said Kauffman. “My legislation would ensure that, like 48 other states, out-of-state pharmacies wishing to conduct business with our residents register with the state Board of Pharmacy.”