RESOLUTION NO. _____________

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SB 644 (ORTIZ), DISPENSING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND DEVICES

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RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California, that

WHEREAS, despite the fact that pharmacists provide an essential service to consumers who rely on their expertise to access medically necessary prescription medications and supplies, there is no requirement that a pharmacist dispense medications and other prescription items to an individual with a lawful prescription; and

WHEREAS, current law is silent on pharmacists' ability to object to dispensing certain medications or supplies on religious, ethical, or moral grounds; and

WHEREAS, SB 644 would require certain licensed health care professions to dispense drugs and supplies pursuant to lawful prescriptions and orders except in specified circumstances including ethical, moral or religious grounds of the licensed health care professional; and

WHEREAS, in addition, SB 644 would require the employer of a health care professional with eligible objections to establish protocols that ensure that the patient has timely access to the prescribed drug or supplies despite the health care professional's refusal to dispense the prescription or order; and

WHEREAS, the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women has reviewed SB 644 and recommends the County of San Mateo support the bill; and

WHEREAS, SB 644 supports the County’s Visioning 2010 commitment of ensuring basic health and safety for all and furthers the County’s goal of greater access to health and preventative care;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED AND ORDERED that the Board of Supervisors by adoption of this resolution does hereby support SB 644.

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