SB 1447 Summary

• Beginning July 1, 2019, establishes new licensing requirements for automated drug delivery systems (ADDS) operated by California pharmacies, requiring each ADDS to be licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy and issued only to holders of current, valid pharmacy licenses.

• Limits ADDS placement to licensed pharmacies, health facilities, clinics, correctional clinics, and medical offices (for automated patient dispensing systems), with requirements for security, inventory control, and transaction tracking.

• Requires pharmacies holding ADDS licenses to own or lease the systems and drugs within them, provide annual staff training, complete annual self-assessments, and maintain separate records for ADDS operations.

• Exempts automated unit dose systems (AUDS) operated by licensed hospital pharmacies for in-facility patient doses from ADDS licensing requirements but requires compliance with all other ADDS standards.

• Establishes fee of $200-$250 for ADDS licensing and annual renewal, and requires the State Board of Pharmacy to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2024, on ADDS usage, inspection findings, and public safety concerns.