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Committee advances bill allowing patients to take remaining hospital-dispensed medication home
Summary
AB 447 would let patients keep unused, individually dispensed medication provided in emergency departments; supporters argue it reduces waste and improves access while stakeholders and the author agreed to committee amendments and further work with the Board of Pharmacy.
Assemblymember Mark Gonzales presented AB 447 as a measure to allow patients to take home medication dispensed in hospital emergency departments when the product is intended for single-patient use and would otherwise be discarded.
"No one should have to make an extra trip to the pharmacy when the medication they need is already in their hands unused, unopened and destined for the trash," Assemblymember Mark Gonzales said in closing remarks.
Sponsors including the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians told the committee the bill would reduce medical waste and improve patient access, particularly in underserved communities. Tim Madden, representing the chapter, said the policy would let patients walk out with medications they have already started, improving treatment adherence.
The California Hospital Association said it would move from a "support if amended" position to full support once the committee amendments were finalized. Committee members noted ongoing discussions with the Board of Pharmacy about implementation details and enforcement.
The author accepted committee amendments and the committee recorded the motion to pass AB 447 as amended to the Committee on Health.
