Oregon lawmakers have approved legislation allowing certain healthcare providers to operate licensed mobile pharmacies in a move to expand medication access in underserved areas.
Under House Bill 4131, the state Board of Pharmacy would offer mobile pharmacy licenses to retail drug outlets with a permanent physical location, including hospitals, federally qualified health centers and designated critical access pharmacies. If signed into law it will become operative Jan. 1, 2027.
Mobile pharmacies must have a pharmacist on-site during operations and comply with strict recordkeeping, storage and communication requirements. Providers must document drug transfers and record dispensed medications within 24 hours.
The law places limits on operations, prohibiting mobile pharmacies from staying in one location for more than 10 consecutive days or operating more than 14 consecutive days within the same five-mile radius, with exceptions during public health emergencies.
State officials said the measure is intended to improve access to medications, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while maintaining regulatory oversight. The bill is awaiting Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature.
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