Substitute Bill No. 7118 Summary

• Adds definition of "biological product" (per 42 USC 262) and "interchangeable biological product" (FDA-licensed or therapeutically equivalent products) to state pharmacy law effective October 1, 2017.

• Allows pharmacists to substitute interchangeable biological products for prescribed biological products without practitioner authorization, unless the prescriber specifies "no substitution" in writing or electronic communication.

• Requires pharmacists to notify prescribers and patients within 72 hours of dispensing an interchangeable biological product and to maintain records of specific biological products dispensed in electronic medical records or pharmacy systems.

• Requires prescribers to discuss with patients treatment methods, alternatives, and risks associated with biological products before prescribing.

• Maintains existing restrictions on substituting antiepileptic drugs by requiring pharmacist notification and written practitioner consent when changing manufacturers or distributors.