CA AB2037

Authorizes pharmacies in California to provide pharmacy services to patients of covered entities (as defined under federal law) through automated patient dispensing systems (APDS) located off-site from the pharmacy.

Requires pharmacies to obtain a $300 license (renewable annually, adjustable between $200-$500) from the State Board of Pharmacy for each APDS location, with a maximum of 15 APDS licenses per pharmacy.

Makes the pharmacy solely responsible for security, operation, maintenance, record-keeping, and monthly physical inspections of the APDS, with a licensed pharmacist supervising operations (may be done electronically).

Requires pharmacists to authorize all drug dispensing, perform clinical reviews, and provide video consultation for first-time dispensing; patients must provide written informed consent and be identified before drugs are released.

Took effect immediately upon Governor approval on September 21, 2018, as an urgency statute to address medication access barriers in rural and underserved California communities lacking nearby pharmacists.