Dec. 10, 2015

FLORIDA BOARD OF PHARMACY HELPS PATIENTS ACCESS PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Board of Pharmacy is making progress in ensuring Florida residents have access to needed prescription medication. The board recently approved an amendment to Rule 64B16-27.831, Florida Administrative Code, providing clarification to pharmacists to aid in the filling of controlled substance prescriptions. The rule will take effect Dec. 24.

“The Department is dedicated to making sure that Florida patients have access to needed medications,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “I applaud the diligent work the Board of Pharmacy is doing to address this issue and help Florida’s families.”

The rule amendment will help to educate pharmacists and allow them to confidently fill valid prescriptions for patients. With the changes, pharmacists will have guidelines in place to verify prescriptions when there are questions concerning validity.

The board has held several public meetings over the last few months to listen to testimony from patients, doctors and pharmacists. This rule amendment is the first step toward easing the burden of residents to fill prescriptions of controlled substances. The Board of Pharmacy will continue discussion on improving access to medication for patients.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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