SB437 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Tom WhatleyGreg J. ReedWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyTrip PittmanJ.T. WaggonerJerry L. FieldingDick Brewbaker

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

HIV clinics, redispensing of prescription drugs not used by patients, pharmacies allowed

Summary

The bill would allow HIV-clinic pharmacies to redistribute unused prescription drugs under strict safety, labeling, and packaging rules.

What This Bill Does

It lets HIV-clinic pharmacies accept unused prescription drugs returned by the clinic and redispense them if safety and labeling conditions are met. It sets definitions for HIV clinics, unit-dose and unit-of-issue packaging, and repackaging rules, and requires written protocols for accepting, returning to stock, repackaging, labeling, and redistributing drugs. It excludes certain items such as controlled substances, customized patient medication packages, non-unit-dose drugs, and improperly labeled drugs.

Who It Affects

• HIV clinics and their pharmacies (and contractors) that would participate in accepting and redistributing unused medications.
• Pharmacists and registered/licensed nurses at HIV clinics who supervise security, handling, and administration of prescription drugs and implement the protocols.
• Patients treated at HIV clinics, who may receive redistributed medications if safe and properly labeled.
• Pharmacy operators and staff responsible for developing, maintaining, and following the protocols for redispensing.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: customized patient medication package; HIV clinic; repackaging; unit-dose package; unit-of-issue package.
• Acceptance conditions: drugs returned by an HIV clinic may be accepted if (a) storage/handling before and during return prevent damage or contamination, (b) drugs remained under the control of a nurse and not in the patient’s possession, (c) labeling and packaging are accurate and unaltered, and (d) the drug was dispensed in a unit-dose or unit-of-issue package.
• Written protocols: the pharmacist in charge must develop and keep on-site written protocols for accepting, returning to stock, repackaging, labeling, and redispensing, including methods to ensure safety, a system for recording/tracking, and accessibility for on-duty pharmacists.
• Redistribution rules: drugs meeting standards may be returned to stock and redispensed; unit-dose or unit-of-issue packages can be returned and repackaged only under specified conditions; drugs cannot be added to partially used unit-of-issue packages and may only be redispensed in the same packaging and, for unit-dose, only once.
• Exclusions: does not apply to controlled substances, customized patient medication packages, non-unit-dose drugs, or drugs not properly labeled with identity, strength, lot number, and expiration date.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Care Facilities