HI HB797

Authorizes pharmacies to dispense Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances without a prescription refill authorization under emergency conditions when the drug is essential to sustain life or continue chronic therapy.

Requires pharmacies to limit emergency dispensing to a 72-hour supply and prohibits dispensing the same drug to the same patient more than once per 12-month period under these provisions.

Mandates pharmacies maintain records of emergency dispensing for one year and notify the prescribing practitioner within 72 hours of dispensing.

Allows emergency dispensing only when the pharmacy cannot obtain authorization from the original or another responsible practitioner and determines the drug is necessary to prevent harm to the patient's health.