SPRINGFIELD – Hearing from constituents who face barriers to accessing their medical supplies from pharmacies even when they had a prescription, State Senator Mike Simmons new law will help these individuals’ access necessary supplies from their pharmacy.

“This law ensures that patients who have prescriptions for injectable medications get the supplies they need and ensures the supplies are clean and safe,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This law will allow pharmacists to make the decision to protect patients and safeguard public health.”

Before this law, 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’ law, House Bill 2589, pharmacists will 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.

“This law increases access to sterile syringes, and we are reducing the need to reuse needles and saving lives in the process,” said Simmons. “I am proud that Illinois will empower pharmacists and protect patient’s health.”

House Bill 2589 was signed into law on Friday.

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