SB418Introduced in the Senate
Therapeutic interchange; authorizes pharmacists to perform, adaptation of prescriptions.
Introduced by Barbara Favola, District 40
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Therapeutic interchange and adaptation. Authorizes pharmacists to perform therapeutic interchanges by substituting a drug with another drug in the same therapeutic class when such substitution lowers the cost or is cost-neutral to the patient or the prescribed drug is in a drug shortage and the substitution conforms to Board of Pharmacy regulations. The bill directs the Board of Pharmacy to determine which therapeutic classes of drugs shall be eligible for therapeutic interchange and which classes shall be prohibited. The bill also authorizes pharmacists to adapt prescriptions by changing the dosage form or quantity of a medication or by completing missing information on a prescription when there is evidence to support such change.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0888)
April 13, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Passed House (87-Y 8-N 0-A) · February 27, 2026
87
Yes
8
No
4
Absent or Not Voting
99 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | 1 | Yes |
| Adele McClure | 2 | Yes |
| Alfonso Lopez | 3 | Yes |
| Charniele Herring | 4 | Yes |
| Kirk McPike | 5 | Yes |
| Richard Sullivan | 6 | Yes |
| Karen Keys-Gamarra | 7 | Yes |
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Karrie Delaney | 9 | Yes |
| Dan Helmer | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104862D
Referred to Committee on Education and Health
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB418)
Assigned Education sub: Health Professions
Reported from Education and Health (14-Y 0-N)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Passed by for the day
Passed by for the day
Read second time
Floor offered Senator Favola Amendment
Reading of amendment waived (Voice Vote)
Senator Favola Amendment agreed to
Engrossed by Senate as amended (Voice Vote)
Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB418)
Placed on Calendar
Read first time
Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
Assigned sub: Health Professions
Subcommittee recommends reporting (10-Y 0-N)
Reported from Health and Human Services (19-Y 3-N)
Read second time
Read third time
Passed House (87-Y 8-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB418ER)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB418)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 888 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0888)
Verify the information
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