HR 1652 109th Congress House Health Access to health care Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Civil actions and liability Commerce Confidential communications Consumer education Damages Dismissal of employees Drugs Employee selection Fines (Penalties) Injunctions Labor and Employment Law Legal fees Limitation of actions Medical records Medical supplies Pharmacies

Access to Legal Pharmaceuticals Act

Introduced: April 14, 2005 See on congress.gov

Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

May 13, 2005

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Apr 15, 2005

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E658)

Apr 14, 2005

Introduced in House

Apr 14, 2005

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Access to Legal Pharmaceuticals Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require any pharmacy receiving prescription drugs or prescription devices in interstate commerce to: (1) ensure that any in stock prescription that one pharmacist refuses to fill on the basis of a personal belief is filled by another pharmacist employed by the pharmacy without delay; (2) ensure that any individual who presents a prescription for an item that is not in stock which one pharmacist refuses to order on the basis of a personal belief is immediately informed that the product can be ordered by the pharmacy and to order such product without delay; and (3) not employ any pharmacist who engages in any conduct with the intent to prevent or deter an individual from filling a valid prescription, including refusing to return a prescription form, refusing to transfer a prescription, or subjecting the individual to humiliation or harassment.

Provides that this Act does not require the pharmacy to keep any particular product in stock nor does it apply with respect to a product for a health condition if the pharmacy does not keep in stock any product for such condition.

Sets forth civil penalties. Allows a private cause of action for a violation of this Act.

What's happening now May 13, 2005

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Committees of jurisdiction 2