MN HF688

Pharmacists may dispense legend drugs without a current prescription in emergency situations if the patient has been compliant with the medication, the pharmacy has records of a prior prescription, the prescriber cannot be contacted, the drug is essential to sustain life or treat a chronic condition, and dispensing failure would harm the patient.

Emergency refills are limited to a 30-day supply or the quantity originally prescribed (whichever is less), except controlled substances prescribed for seizure disorders may receive up to a 72-hour supply.

Pharmacists may not dispense the same drug to the same patient under this section more than once in any 12-month period.

Pharmacists must notify the practitioner within 72 hours of dispensing an emergency refill and obtain authorization before dispensing additional refills.

Health plans providing prescription drug coverage must cover drugs dispensed by pharmacists under emergency refill provisions using the same terms and coverage that would apply to normally prescribed medications.