The hearing for SB431 was opened.

Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of SB431.

Alexandra Blasi, Executive Secretary, Kansas Board of Pharmacy, provided testimony in support of SB431 (Attachment 1). The bill would allow pharmacy personnel to perform some of there job functions outside the four walls of the registered pharmacy. The proposed remote practice model is consistent with pharmacy laws and regulations in other states. The bill addresses key concerns in the pharmacy setting. These include recruitment, patient access and workplace conditions. Necessary safeguards are include in the bill. Appropriate thresholds and restrictions were provided to the committee. Temporary waivers were issued during the Covid health emergency. A pilot project application was approved in 2023. During the two years of the pilot there have been no concerns or violations. It was noted that this is an option for pharmacies, not a requirement.

Ms. Blasi responded to questions from the committee.

John Monroe on behalf of the Kansas Association of Chain Drug Stores, provided testimony in support of SB431 (Attachment 2). The bill is a common sense modernization of Kansas pharmacy law that established a clear framework for the remote practice of pharmacy. The tasks that the bill allows for were provided to the committee. The bill preserves strong boundaries and does not authorize remote workers to perform hands-on prescription drug functions.

The hearing on SB431 was closed.