MD HB1426

Creates a new "clinical research pharmacy permit" issued by the State Board of Pharmacy for pharmacies that exclusively compound, dispense, or distribute drugs for scientific research conducted under FDA-compliant Institutional Review Board protocols

Permits health care providers licensed in Maryland to hold ownership interests in clinical research pharmacies, provided a licensed pharmacist is on-site during all operating hours and owners do not direct patients to specific pharmacies or receive referral payments

Clinical research pharmacies must not be open to the general public and may only dispense to clinical trial participants, while complying with United States Pharmacopeia and Board security/storage protocols

Exempts corporations and other legal entities from the definition of "practice medicine" when conducting clinical trials registered with the FDA, European Medicines Agency, or other international bodies, as long as all medical decisions are made by licensed physicians

Takes effect October 1, 2026