Substitute House Bill No. 6768 - Summary

• Establishes a new framework for "dispensing group practices" to dispense legend drugs and devices through centralized dispensing practitioners or employed pharmacists, with registration requirements and a $200 registration fee valid for two years.

• Allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense emergency contraceptives and hormonal contraceptives to patients who meet medical eligibility criteria, complete required training, and undergo appropriate patient screening and counseling.

• Permits pharmacists employed by approved pharmacies to dispense abortion-related medications and provide referrals to other pharmacies if medications are unavailable; protects pharmacists from reciprocal discipline for actions lawful in Connecticut.

• Expands opioid antagonist distribution through secure boxes, vending machines, and syringe services programs, with agreements between prescribing practitioners or certified pharmacists and host agencies for overdose prevention.

• Modifies pharmacy compounding requirements for sterile and nonsterile preparations, increases penalties for violations from $500 to $1,000, and allows physicians to issue medical marijuana certifications via telehealth services.