HB54 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 14-1-19 to authorize pharmacies in county jails to redispense unused prescription drugs under the same conditions previously allowed only for state correctional facilities.

• Pharmacies may accept returned prescription drugs only if the facility has passed routine inspections and employs a registered or licensed practical nurse responsible for drug security and administration.

• Redispensed drugs must meet strict standards including proof the medication was not damaged, contaminated, or in the patient's possession, and that labeling and packaging remain accurate and unaltered.

• Establishes four conditions for redispensing: drugs originally in manufacturer's unit-dose or unit-of-issue packages may be repackaged and redispensed as needed; pharmacy-repackaged drugs may return to stock but cannot be repackaged again and can only be redispensed once.

• Excludes controlled substances, customized medication packages, and improperly labeled drugs from redispensing provisions; requires pharmacists to develop and maintain written protocols for accepting, storing, and redistributing returned drugs.