LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 2, 2005

TO:	Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB477 by Wentworth (Relating to emergency contraception drug therapy initiated and distributed by a pharmacist to a patient in accordance with drug therapy protocol.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Occupations Code by stating that a pharmacist may initiate emergency contraception drug therapy. The bill would require the Texas State Board of Pharmacy Board (TSBP) to consult with the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to develop a standardized fact sheet and develop and approve a training program on emergency contraception drug therapy. The bill also amends the Health and Safety Code by allowing an additional exemption under the section pertaining to “Delivery or Offer of Delivery of Dangerous Drugs” for pharmacies operating under an emergency contraception protocol from a physician.

 

Based on the analysis of the TSBP, TSBME, and the DSHS, it is assumed that the provisions of the bill could be implemented using existing resources.

 

The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

503 Board of Medical Examiners, 515 Board of Pharmacy, 537 Department of State Health Services

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, RR