HB 5223 Summary

• Expands the Professional Assistance Program for regulated health care professionals to include pharmacists, with the Department of Consumer Protection overseeing pharmacist participation instead of the Department of Public Health.

• Adds pharmacists to the definition of "health care professionals" eligible for the voluntary, confidential assistance program that provides education, prevention, intervention, referral, rehabilitation, and support services for chemical dependency and behavioral/mental health issues.

• Establishes oversight procedures for pharmacists in the program, including referral requirements to the Department of Consumer Protection when participants have pending disciplinary charges, fail to comply with program terms, or pose safety threats.

• Creates a mechanism for pharmacy license fee increases of at least $5 to be transferred to the professional assistance program account to fund services.

• Effective from passage; all four sections take effect immediately upon enactment.