Washington State Mandates Pharmacies Fill All Prescriptions

The Washington state Board of Pharmacy on Thursday voted unanimously to adopt a rule requiring drug stores to fill all lawful prescriptions. The AP says the rule means that pharmacists with moral, religious or other personal objections to filling a prescription can opt out only if a co-worker can fill the prescription at the time it is presented. Pharmacists are also prohibited from destroying prescriptions or harassing patients, and must order new supplies of a drug if it is out of stock. The Washington State Catholic Conference, among others, opposes the new rule. It may require pharmacists to violate their conscience in dispensing drugs such as the Plan B "morning after" birth control pills. (See prior related posting.)