An Act To Authorize the Maine Board of Pharmacy To Establish a Pharmacist Health Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, pursuant to the Maine Health Security Act and professional licensing laws, the Maine Medical Association operates a Physician Health Program that provides treatment, counseling and monitoring of physicians and dentists with substance use disorders or other mental health diagnoses to permit these professionals to continue serving the people of Maine while protecting public safety; and
Whereas, the Maine Board of Pharmacy wishes to have the Maine Medical Association Physician Health Program as a resource for pharmacists in Maine; and
Whereas, the Maine Medical Association must immediately convert the position of Clinical Director of the Physician Health Program from a part-time to a full-time position in order to accommodate the new group of professionals; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Sec. 1. 24 MRSA §2502, sub-§4-A, as amended by PL 1997, c. 107, §2, is further amended to read:
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §13721, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
The board has the power to contract with other agencies, individuals, firms or associations for the conduct and operation of a pharmacist health program operated by a professional review committee as that term is defined in Title 24, section 2502, subsection 4-A.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
summary
This bill authorizes the Maine Board of Pharmacy to establish a program promoting the health and recovery of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are diagnosed with substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.