IL HB4874

Requires prescriptions for Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances to be sent electronically in accordance with Section 316 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, effective immediately.

Exempts prescribers from electronic prescription requirements through December 31, 2028 if they certify to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation they will not issue more than 150 controlled substance prescriptions annually; threshold reduces to 50 prescriptions annually beginning January 1, 2029.

Provides additional exemptions from electronic prescribing requirements for circumstances including financial hardship, temporary technological failures, impractical timing for patient access, nursing facilities, hospice care, veterinary prescriptions within 2 years of enactment, and various other specified situations.

Prohibits pharmacists from refusing to fill valid non-electronic prescriptions and shields pharmacists from disciplinary action when dispensing in good faith based on valid prescriptions; prohibits entities from requiring pharmacists to ensure prescriber compliance.

Limits Department of Financial and Professional Regulation compliance actions initiated before December 31, 2030 to non-disciplinary warnings or citations, unless the prescriber or dispenser fails to comply with initial warning, acts in bad faith, or establishes a pattern of violations.