Ohio Senate Passes Reynolds Telepharmacy Bill

COLUMBUS—Today, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 95, legislation sponsored by State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) to ensure every Ohioan, particularly those in rural and underserved populations, has access to pharmacies.

Senate Bill 95 requires the State Board of Pharmacy to regulate remote dispensing pharmacies that utilize telepharmacy systems, which will allow more Ohioans to have access to the care they need when they need it. The legislation also prioritizes patient safety by establishing strong oversight standards for these pharmacies, such as ensuring they are properly staffed and supervised, and restricting the number of prescriptions dispensed daily.
 
“Many Ohioans often lack quick access to pharmacies for necessary and, at times, life-saving treatments," Reynolds said. "Senate Bill 95 tackles this problem by creating a modern way for Ohioans to fill their prescriptions, keeping them healthy and happy for years to come."

Senate Bill 95 also creates a new pathway for 17-year-old high school graduates to register as pharmacy technician trainees to become part of this essential workforce. 

"Accessibility to pharmacies also requires us to have well-trained staff, and preparing the next generation to fulfill these roles will be essential," said the Senator. "Senate Bill 95 gets more trainees in the workforce pipeline."

The bill was developed by Senator Reynolds with the cooperation of the Ohio Pharmacy Board, the Ohio Pharmacist Association, and the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative. 28 other states have implemented similar legislation.
 
Senate Bill 95 now goes to the Ohio House for consideration.