SPRINGFIELD – After hearing from constituents who have faced barriers to accessing medical equipment from pharmacies even when they have a prescription, State Senator Mike Simmons is moving legislation to help qualifying individuals access necessary supplies from a pharmacist.

“This bill clarifies that patients who have prescriptions for injectable medications are entitled to also purchase clean needles from a pharmacist,” said Simmons. “Allowing pharmacists to make informed decisions ultimately safeguards public health.”

Currently, pharmacists are allowed to sell up to 100 sterile hypodermic needles or syringes to a person who is at least 18 years old.

Under Simmons’ legislation, House Bill 2589, pharmacists would be required, based on their professional and clinical judgement, to sell sterile hypodermic syringes or needles to any qualifying individual who needs them to properly administer their medication.

“By increasing access to sterile syringes, we’re reducing harm and saving lives,” said Simmons. “This will empower pharmacists to serve their patients more directly.”

House Bill 2589 passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Wednesday.

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