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MarylandHB 08382026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Board of Pharmacy - Prescriber-Pharmacist Agreements

Sponsored By: Bonnie Cullison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsPublic HealthCommittees and CommissionsContracts -see also- ProcurementControlled Dangerous Substances -see also- Drugs; OpioidsData -see also- Census; DemographicsDisclosureDrugs -see also- Cannabis; ControlDangSubst; Pharm; etc.Federal GovernmentHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Job Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMidwivesOpioids -see also- Controlled Dangerous Substances; DrugsPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationSubstance Abuse Treatment

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Pharmacists can treat opioid use disorder with safeguards

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualified pharmacists can treat opioid use disorder under a prescriber–pharmacist agreement. The pharmacist must have individual DEA registration and State controlled‑substances registration. They must complete any required federal or state training and follow a protocol that meets state rules. Before starting or changing controlled‑substance therapy, the pharmacist must check the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).

Expanded prescriber list and tighter pharmacist rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, more clinicians count as authorized prescribers, including doctors, podiatrists, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority. A prescriber and pharmacist must have a prescriber–pharmacist agreement to enter a therapy management contract. A pharmacist may join an agreement only if licensed, has a Doctor of Pharmacy or equivalent training set by the Board, and is approved by the Board. For physician–pharmacist protocols, the protocol must be written and disease‑specific, and can let the pharmacist start, change, or stop therapy and order lab tests. Protocols cannot exceed either party’s scope of practice, and they must bar using a chemically different drug unless the contract allows it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bonnie Cullison

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Tiffany T. Alston

    Democratic • House

  • Heather Bagnall

    Democratic • House

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

  • Terri L. Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Thomas S. Hutchinson

    Republican • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Nicholaus R. Kipke

    Republican • House

  • Lesley J. Lopez

    Democratic • House

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

  • Ashanti Martinez

    House

  • Teresa E. Reilly

    Republican • House

  • Samuel I. Rosenberg

    Democratic • House

  • Kim Ross

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Kathy Szeliga

    Republican • House

  • Deni Taveras

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer White Holland

    Democratic • House

  • Teresa Woorman

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 53

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (130-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/13/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {923826/1 Adopted

    3/13/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    3/13/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026House

  12. First Reading Health

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/13/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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