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Minnesota House approves bill allowing pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine
Summary
The Minnesota House passed House File 4493 by voice and roll call, 134-0, authorizing pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, administer and dispense certain medications, including buprenorphine (Suboxone), for treatment of opioid use disorder; supporters said it will expand immediate access to care, particularly in Greater Minnesota.
The Minnesota House passed House File 4493 on a 134-0 vote after floor debate, authorizing pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, administer and dispense certain medications, including buprenorphine (Suboxone), for treatment of opioid use disorder.
Representative Baker, who sponsored the bill, told members he brought the measure to the floor because it will "literally save a lot of lives" by giving pharmacists — often the most accessible health provider in Greater Minnesota — the ability to prescribe buprenorphine at the time a patient needs it.
"This bill brings good steps towards that outcome by providing the pharmacist the ability, with some training, optional training, to be able to prescribe those medicines at that moment," Representative Baker said. He characterized delays in obtaining prescriptions from physicians as a barrier that can drive people back to use during withdrawal.
Representative Biermann urged colleagues to support the measure, saying it was "a life or death bill for many people who are seeking substance use disorder treatment and don't get it in a timely fashion." Biermann said she initially had concerns about the bill but worked with Baker and staff to address them before the measure reached the floor.
Baker also described personal context for his advocacy, referencing posters on the Capitol display honoring overdose victims and noting federal changes in 2025; he said an eight-hour voluntary training is part of the approach he expects pharmacists to use when prescribing under the bill.
On the roll call, the clerk recorded a remote vote of "aye" by Momani Hiltzley; the clerk later announced there were "134 yays and 0 nays," after which the presiding officer declared the bill passed and its title agreed to.
The bill's text as read on the floor says it relates to health occupations and authorizes pharmacists to provide certain treatments for opioid use disorder; specific statutory citations, implementation timeline and administrative rules were not specified on the floor during the recorded remarks.
