State Board of Pharmacy - Prescriber-Pharmacist Agreements - Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders

SB 562 allows pharmacists in Maryland to treat opioid use disorders using medication therapy under specific conditions. It repeals a requirement that prescribers (like doctors) must submit agreements to their health board and instead authorizes pharmacists to enter into prescriber-pharmacist agreements if they meet qualifications such as holding a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, completing required training, and registering with federal agencies. The law mandates that any treatment protocol requires pharmacists to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program before starting or changing medication. This change aims to expand access to medication-based treatment for opioid use disorders by enabling pharmacists to provide care in pharmacy settings.