Bill would require prescribers to issue two pediatric prescriptions for children in shared-custody arrangements

A bill requiring prescribers to issue two prescriptions for a child subject to court-ordered shared custody or visitation schedules drew testimony in the Health and Government Operations Committee.

Delegate Aaron Kaufman, sponsor for HB14 93, told the committee the measure would permit a prescriber to issue duplicate prescriptions so each household can maintain an appropriate supply of a child’s medication. The bill includes safeguards to prevent overprescribing and calls for medication to be divided proportionally to parenting time. Kaufman argued the requirement reduces missed doses, lowers conflict and prevents medication from becoming a bargaining chip in parental disputes.

He said several states — Kentucky, Indiana, Arizona and South Dakota — have statutes addressing similar issues, and he cited research showing missed doses are common among children of divorced parents and that nearly 60% of the U.S. pediatric population has chronic illness requiring strict regimens. Committee members discussed whether the measure belongs in health occupations or insurance committees; Kaufman said the bill concerns prescriber obligations and therefore fits the Health and Government Operations jurisdiction.

Witnesses noted insurers raised implementation and cost concerns and that pharmacists and physicians had operational questions. The sponsor said the bill contains safeguards and that parents with protective orders face particular logistical burdens if medication must move between households. Committee members thanked the sponsor and indicated follow-up work may be needed; no recorded vote took place during the hearing.