California
Governor signed Assembly Member Tri Ta’s AB 1587, a bill to protect patients in life-threatening situations
"No Californian should have to worry about running out of life-saving medication before they can get to their doctor in time," said Assemblymember Tri Ta. "AB 1587 is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that prioritizes patients and gives pharmacists the tools needed to prevent dangerous gaps in treatment. This law will help protect some of our state's most vulnerable residents when every day—and every dose—matters."
SACRAMENTO:- Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1587, a bill introduced by Assemblymember Tri Ta that allows pharmacists to supply up to a 30-day supply of medication to patients with life-threatening conditions.
This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that Californians with life-threatening medical conditions do not face dangerous interruptions in their medication when they are unable to obtain timely prescription renewals.
Under existing law, pharmacists can provide emergency refills in limited circumstances. AB 15877 expands that authority by allowing pharmacists to supply up to a 30-day supply of medication to patients with life-threatening conditions when the pharmacy has previously dispensed the medication to the patient and the patient is unable to obtain a new prescription before running out.Approved Assembly Bill 15877, introduced by the legislator, addresses situations where a patient temporarily loses access to their prescribing physician—such as when the doctor is on leave, retires, relocates, or is otherwise unavailable—thereby helping to ensure that treatment is not interrupted while the patient establishes care to receive necessary assistance.
“No Californian should have to worry about running out of life-saving medication before they can get to their doctor in time,” said Assemblymember Tri Ta. “AB 1587 is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that prioritizes patients and gives pharmacists the tools needed to prevent dangerous gaps in treatment. This law will help protect some of our state’s most vulnerable residents when every day—and every dose—matters.”The law also provides liability protection for pharmacists acting in accordance with the law and defines “life-threatening” conditions under existing state law.
AB 1587 received unanimous bipartisan support throughout the legislative process before Governor Newsom signed it into law.
“Governor Newsom says, ‘This is the kind of law that brings people together,'” Tale said. “I appreciate my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, the pharmacy community, patient advocates, and Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of ensuring continuity of care for Californians who rely on these medications.”
