This ordinance requires all retail pharmacies in San Francisco that carry controlled substances to stock enough buprenorphine to fill at least two new prescriptions. It also provides a defense for pharmacies that have ordered more stock and sets penalties for those that do not comply.
Ordinance amending the Health Code to require each retail pharmacy in San Francisco that stocks controlled substance prescription drugs to stock sufficient buprenorphine to provide for at least two new prescriptions, provide for an affirmative defense for retail pharmacies that ordered replacement prescriptions, and establish penalties for violating the requirement to stock sufficient buprenorphine.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to improve access to buprenorphine in San Francisco pharmacies to combat the opioid crisis.
The Department conducted a survey revealing that only 44% of responding pharmacies could fill a day-of prescription for buprenorphine, highlighting significant access issues.
Supervisor Dorsey introduced the ordinance to require retail pharmacies to stock sufficient buprenorphine to fill at least two new prescriptions.
The ordinance was referred to the Small Business Commission for comments and recommendations.
The committee recommended the ordinance for approval after reviewing its implications for public health and pharmacy practices.
The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on first reading, moving it closer to final approval.
The ordinance was finally passed by the Board of Supervisors, solidifying the requirement for pharmacies to stock buprenorphine.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, officially enacting the requirement for pharmacies in San Francisco.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
