To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the responsibilities of a pharmacy when a pharmacist employed by the pharmacy refuses to fill a valid prescription for a drug on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions, and for other purposes.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 8, 2005
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a pharmacy from receiving a prescription in interstate commerce unless it: (1) ensures that a prescription that is not filled due to a refusal by a pharmacist on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions is filled by another pharmacist employed by the pharmacy within four hours of such refusal; and (2) does not employ any pharmacist who refuses to return an unfilled prescription to the patient or transfer an unfilled prescription to another pharmacy with the intent to prevent a patient from filling a valid prescription for a drug.
Sets forth penalties for violations. Allows a civil action against a pharmacy for a violation of this Act.
Source last updated: Feb 5, 2024. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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