KANSAS-BASED pharmacist, Gregory Burger, is warning that legislation to compel pharmacists to dispense prescribed medicines for COVID-19, being considered by the State's legislators, could have serious health consequences.
In an editorial in the Kansas Reflector, Burger raised concerns over the language being used in a Bill that would effectively force pharmacists to dispense off-label use of medicines for the treatment of COVID-19.
The Bill states that, "nothing shall prevent a pharmacist from refusing to fill or refill any prescription... unless such prescription is being used to treat or prevent a COVID-19 infection".
"The sentiment of one word - 'unless' - is chilling," Burger said.
"This Bill tells every pharmacist that despite years of training, experience and commitment, they cannot practice their professional duty to screen a drug for safety if that drug is related to COVID in any way.
"I don't know what will happen next with legislations, but I'm gravely concerned these conversations are even happening."
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