Governor Matt Meyer has signed a bill designed to protect residents’ access to medications after nearly 30 Rite Aid locations closed statewide.

Senate Bill 180 gives the Board of Pharmacy the authority to modify Delaware’s licensure system, adding provisions to better prepare for and manage emergencies.

“Delawareans deserve 21st-century healthcare, and that includes fast access to quality pharmaceuticals,” says Meyer. “By allowing out-of-state licensed pharmacists to practice in Delaware during emergencies, we’re taking proactive steps to ensure our residents have uninterrupted access to essential medications.”

So what does this mean for Delaware residents?

The bill allows licensed out-of-state pharmacists to practice in Delaware during emergencies.

It also empowers the Board of Pharmacy to update regulations, enabling pharmacy technicians to assist with prescription transfers.

In addition, the bill authorizes pharmacies to treat faxed prescription transfers of non-controlled medications the same as original paper transfers, as long as all required information is included.

In short, the new law aims to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need from nearby pharmacies.

Other lawmakers have responded positively to the bill.

“Senate Bill 180 has been a long time [coming]… the need to modernize the Board of Pharmacy has been exacerbated by the recent closures of Rite Aid,” says Senator Nicole Poore. “Rite Aid has 29 stores in Delaware, employing a significant number of pharmacists and techs. Estimates show that Rite Aid pharmacists filled more than 2.5 million prescriptions across Delaware this year — a significant amount of which were for Medicaid prescriptions.” 

 

“As Delaware communities continue to feel the deep impact of widespread pharmacy closures, we must act quickly,” says Representative Kam Smith. “For many families, these pharmacies are more than just a place to fill prescriptions…they are a lifeline.”

 

Executive Director Delaware Association of Chain Drug Stores Julie Miro Wenger also weighed in on the bill, noting that with the numerous pharmacy closures, thousands of patients statewide will have to transition to other pharmacies to receive their prescriptions. 

 

“These regulatory and legislative changes offer flexibility that will enhance pharmacy operational efficiencies and enhance their ability to meet increased demand for care in communities throughout the state,” Miro Wenger says.