Texas legislators approve new pharmacy bills including insulin refills and telepharmacy changes

In a recent meeting of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, significant updates were shared regarding ongoing legal matters and legislative changes impacting pharmacy practice in the state. The morning session, held on May 6, 2025, highlighted two key cases and a series of bills from the current legislative session that could reshape pharmacy operations.

The first matter discussed was the appeal from LightCareRx LLC, which has been a topic of interest for some time. The pharmacy and its pharmacist-in-charge had filed a petition to appeal board orders issued in May 2022. However, the case has now been dismissed following the appellants' notice of non-suit.

The second case involved a pharmacist known as Amayosi, who sought enforcement of an order of nondisclosure related to past conduct. Although a hearing was scheduled, it was postponed due to procedural issues. The petitioner has since renewed their motion, and the Attorney General's office is involved in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Transitioning to legislative matters, Sean provided an overview of several bills that could significantly affect pharmacy practice. Notably, House Bill 632 allows for emergency refills of insulin, while House Bill 845 expands pharmacists' authority to furnish medications for acute conditions after conducting specific laboratory tests.

Further changes include House Bill 1027, which modifies telepharmacy regulations, and House Bill 1700, mandating standardized record-keeping for telehealth services. Additionally, House Bill 1771 clarifies that refusing to dispense prescriptions for off-label uses is not a valid justification for refusal.

One of the more controversial bills, House Bill 3219, permits pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription, providing legal protections against liability unless gross negligence is proven. Other bills discussed include those that redefine the practice of pharmacy to include immunization administration and specify conditions under which pharmacists can refuse to dispense certain medications.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed their readiness to address any questions regarding these developments, indicating a proactive approach to the evolving landscape of pharmacy regulation in Texas. The implications of these discussions are poised to influence both the practice of pharmacy and patient care across the state.