MD SB778

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

Allows health care providers licensed in Maryland to hold ownership interests in clinical research pharmacies, provided a licensed pharmacist is on-site during all hours and the owner does 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 security and 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 official international bodies, as long as all medical decisions are made by licensed individuals

Takes effect October 1, 2026