PA HB446

Hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities must offer patients unused portions of facility-provided medications at no additional charge upon discharge when the prescriber determines the medication is needed for continuing treatment and meets the standard of care

Covered medications include multi-use drug products like eye drops, ear drops, topical creams, and emergency inhalers, but exclude intravenous products and controlled substances

Prescribers may fulfill pharmacist counseling requirements by offering to counsel or counseling patients directly, and discharge instructions must include written instructions for medication use and a contact phone number

Medications dispensed under this section are exempt from outpatient dispensing requirements under the Pharmacy Act and Controlled Substance Act

Prescribers, pharmacists, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical facilities acting in good faith receive liability protection from civil or administrative claims unless gross negligence or willful misconduct occurs