Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies — Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-501 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–501LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A pharmacist may refuse to dispense or refill a prescription if the decision is based on professional judgment, experience, knowledge, or available reference materials.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a pharmacist refuses to dispense or refill a prescription, the pharmacist shall, to the extent practicable, notify the authorized prescriber that the prescription or refill was refused within 72 hours after the refusal.
(2)
Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply if a pharmacist is unable to determine the name of the authorized prescriber.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-502 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–502LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In the operation of a pharmacy, only a licensed pharmacist or an individual engaging in a professional experience program and acting under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist may provide information to the public or a health care practitioner concerning prescription or nonprescription drugs or devices including information as to their therapeutic values, potential side effects, and use in the treatment and prevention of diseases.
(b)
A licensed pharmacist shall give a patient who requests, in person or by telephone, the current price of a prescription drug or device that the pharmacy offers for sale to the public.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-503 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An authorized prescriber who issues a prescription shall indicate on the prescription the date of its issuance.
(b)
Unless otherwise instructed by the authorized prescriber who issues the prescription, a pharmacist may not dispense any drug or device on a prescription presented more than 120 days after the date the prescription was issued.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-504 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “brand name” means the proprietary name a manufacturer places on a drug or device product or its container.
(b)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, a pharmacist, or the pharmacist’s designee, who is under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, shall inform a retail consumer to the best of the pharmacist’s or the pharmacist’s designee’s knowledge of the availability of a generically equivalent drug, a therapeutically equivalent brand name drug that is the lowest–cost alternative to the originally prescribed generically equivalent drug, or an interchangeable biological product and shall inform a retail consumer of the approximate cost difference of the lowest–cost alternative as compared to the originally prescribed drug.
(2)
The Board shall adopt procedures for:
(i)
A consumer to notify the Board when a pharmacist fails to provide the information required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(ii)
Advising a pharmacist to bring the pharmacist into compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3)
Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply:
(i)
When the authorized prescriber states expressly that the prescription is to be dispensed only as directed;
(ii)
To a pharmacist who works in a pharmacy, whether centralized or decentralized, which primarily serves public or private institutional recipients; or
(iii)
When the cost of the prescription is reimbursed by a third party payer, including medical assistance.
(c)
The Board shall maintain a link on its website to the current lists of biological products determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be interchangeable with a specific biological product.
(d)
(1)
A pharmacist may substitute a generically equivalent drug or device product, a therapeutically equivalent brand name drug or device product to the originally prescribed generically equivalent drug or device product, or an interchangeable biological product, of the same dosage form and strength, for the drug or device product originally prescribed, if:
(i)
The authorized prescriber does not state expressly that the prescription is to be dispensed only as directed;
(ii)
The substitution is:
(1)
Recognized in the United States Food and Drug Administration’s current list of approved drug or device products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations; or
(2)
An interchangeable biological product for the drug or device product originally prescribed; and
(iii)
The consumer is charged less for the substituted drug or device or interchangeable biological product than the price of the originally prescribed drug or device.
(2)
If a retail consumer is using prescription drug coverage for the prescription, the determination of whether the consumer would be charged less for the substituted drug or device or interchangeable biological product shall be based on the consumer’s prescription drug benefit and formulary, if that information is readily available.
(e)
If a drug or device product or an interchangeable biological product is substituted under this section, the pharmacist shall:
(1)
Notify the patient in writing, or maintain a record that indicates the patient has been notified in writing or orally, that the drug or device product or interchangeable biological product dispensed is a generic equivalent of, a brand name drug or device product that is therapeutically equivalent to, or is interchangeable with the originally prescribed drug or device product; and
(2)
Record on the prescription and keep a record of the name and manufacturer of the substituted drug or device product or interchangeable biological product.
(f)
The Department may list any additional drug or device products that are determined by the Department to meet requirements that are adequate to assure product quality and therapeutic equivalence, after an opportunity for public comment as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.
(g)
The Department may disqualify a drug or device product or an interchangeable biological product on the United States Food and Drug Administration’s current list from being used in Maryland as a substitute if the Department determines that the drug or device or interchangeable biological product is therapeutically nonequivalent or not interchangeable, respectively, or has a negative physical or biological effect on the consumer of that drug or device product or interchangeable biological product:
(1)
After providing an opportunity for public comment as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article; or
(2)
Prior to providing an opportunity for public comment, if the Department believes that a particular generic drug or device product or interchangeable biological product constitutes an imminent danger to the public health, safety or welfare, and the Department:
(i)
Provides an opportunity for public comment as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article within 30 days of disqualifying the drug or device product or interchangeable biological product; and
(ii)
After providing an opportunity for public comment, determines whether the drug or device product or interchangeable biological product should remain disqualified.
(h)
For a drug or device product or an interchangeable biological product that the Department has disqualified from being used in Maryland as a substitute under subsection (g) of this section, the Department shall provide an opportunity for public comment as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article before reinstating the drug or device product or interchangeable biological product for use in Maryland as a substitute.
(i)
A pharmacist who substitutes a drug or device product or an interchangeable biological product in compliance with this section incurs no greater liability in filling the prescription by dispensing the equivalent drug or device product or interchangeable biological product than would be incurred in filling the prescription by dispensing the originally prescribed drug or device.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-504.1 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–504.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, within 5 business days after dispensing a biological product to a patient, the dispensing pharmacist or the pharmacist’s designee shall communicate the specific biological product dispensed, including the name and manufacturer of the biological product, to the prescriber.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section:
(1)
The communication required under subsection (a) of this section shall be provided by making an entry that is electronically accessible to the prescriber through:
(i)
An interoperable electronic medical records system;
(ii)
An electronic prescribing technology;
(iii)
A pharmacy benefits management system; or
(iv)
A pharmacy record; and
(2)
Making an entry through a mechanism listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection is presumed to provide the communication to the prescriber required under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
If the mechanisms listed in subsection (b)(1) of this section are not available, the communication required under subsection (a) of this section may be provided by facsimile, telephone, electronic transmission, or other means.
(d)
The communication requirement under subsection (a) of this section does not apply if:
(1)
The United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved an interchangeable biological product for the biological product prescribed to the patient; or
(2)
A refill prescription is not changed from the biological product dispensed on the most recent filling of the prescription.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-505 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except for a drug or device dispensed to an inpatient in a hospital or related institution, each container of a drug or device dispensed shall be labeled in accordance with this section.
(b)
In addition to any other information required by law, the label shall include:
(1)
The date the prescription is filled; and
(2)
Unless otherwise required by the prescriber:
(i)
For drugs or devices dispensed in a container other than the manufacturer’s original packaging, an expiration date of the drugs or devices which shall be the lesser of:
(1)
1 year from the date of dispensing;
(2)
The month and year when the drugs or devices expire;
(3)
The appropriate expiration date for repackaged drugs or devices; or
(4)
A shorter period as determined by the pharmacist;
(ii)
For drugs or devices dispensed in the manufacturer’s original packaging, an expiration date of the drugs or devices which shall be:
(1)
The expiration date set by the manufacturer; or
(2)
A shorter period as determined by the pharmacist;
(iii)
Any appropriate special handling instructions regarding proper storage of the drugs or devices; and
(iv)
Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, the name and strength of the drugs or devices.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the label shall indicate the same name for the drug or device as that used by the authorized prescriber.
(2)
If, under § 12–504 of this subtitle, the pharmacist substitutes a drug or device product for that named by the authorized prescriber, the label shall indicate both the name of the drug or device product and the name of the manufacturer or distributor of the drug or device dispensed.
(d)
(1)
Except as provided in this subsection, if an authorized prescriber dispenses a drug or device, the prescriber shall label each container of the drug or device.
(2)
In addition to any other information required by law, the authorized prescriber shall include on the label:
(i)
The name and strength of the drug or device;
(ii)
The date the prescription is dispensed;
(iii)
An expiration date of the drug or device which shall be the lesser of:
(1)
1 year from the date of dispensing;
(2)
The month and year when the drug or device expires; or
(3)
A shorter period as determined by the authorized prescriber; and
(iv)
Any appropriate special handling instructions regarding proper storage of the drug or device.
(3)
The labeling requirements of this subsection do not apply if the authorized prescriber dispenses the drug or device:
(i)
To an inpatient in a hospital or related institution;
(ii)
In an emergency situation; or
(iii)
As a sample drug or device dispensed in the regular course of the authorized prescriber’s practice.
(e)
So long as any of the original contents remain in the container, a person may not alter, deface, or remove any label required by this section.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-505.1 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–505.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Board shall adopt regulations necessary to ensure that an individual who is blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled has appropriate access to prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides:
(1)
At no additional cost to the individual;
(2)
In a format option through which the information is fully accessible to the individual; and
(3)
Within a time frame comparable to the time frame within which the information is provided to an individual who is not visually impaired.
(b)
In adopting regulations under subsection (a) of this section, the Board shall give visually impaired individuals an opportunity to provide input regarding the content of the regulations.
(c)
The regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall:
(1)
Follow the guidelines and recommendations in the “Prescription Drug Labels: Actions Needed to Increase Awareness of Best Practices for Accessible Labels for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired” report that was issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in December 2016; and
(2)
Include a method for providing notice to customers that accessible prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides are available, including notice regarding the availability of the prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides in audio format.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-506 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–506LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A pharmacist may refill a prescription for a drug or device for which the refill has not been authorized if:
(1)
The pharmacist:
(i)
Attempts to obtain an authorization from the authorized prescriber; and
(ii)
Is not able readily to obtain the authorization;
(2)
The refill of the prescription is not for a controlled dangerous substance;
(3)
The drug or device is essential to the maintenance of life;
(4)
(i)
The drug or device is essential to the continuation of therapy in chronic conditions; and
(ii)
In the pharmacist’s professional judgment, the interruption of the therapy reasonably might produce an undesirable health consequence, be detrimental to the patient’s welfare, or cause physical or mental discomfort;
(5)
The pharmacist:
(i)
Enters on the back of the prescription or on another appropriate uniformly maintained, readily retrievable record, such as a medication record, the date and the quantity of the drug or device dispensed; and
(ii)
Signs or initials the record; and
(6)
The pharmacist notifies the authorized prescriber of the refill of the prescription within 72 hours of dispensing the drug or device.
(b)
If a pharmacist refills a prescription under subsection (a) of this section, the pharmacist may provide only 1 refill of the prescription and the refill quantity dispensed shall be in conformity with the prescriber’s directions for use and may not exceed a 14-day supply or unit of use.
(c)
If the federal or a state government declares a state of emergency, a pharmacist working in Maryland may refill a prescription for a drug for which the refill has not been authorized if:
(1)
As a result of the emergency, the pharmacist is unable to obtain an authorization from the authorized prescriber;
(2)
The refill of the prescription is not for a controlled dangerous substance;
(3)
The quantity dispensed does not exceed a 30–day supply or unit of use; and
(4)
The pharmacist notifies the authorized prescriber of the refill of the prescription within 7 days of dispensing the drug.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-507 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–507LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A pharmacist who provides prescription services to medical assistance recipients shall offer to discuss with each medical assistance recipient or caregiver who presents a prescription order for outpatient drugs any matter which, in the exercise of the pharmacist’s professional judgment, the pharmacist deems significant, which may include the following:
(1)
The name and description of the medication;
(2)
The route, dosage form, dosage, route of administration, and duration of drug therapy;
(3)
Special directions and precautions for preparation, administration, and use by the patient;
(4)
Common severe side or adverse effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the action required if they occur;
(5)
Techniques for self-monitoring drug therapy;
(6)
Proper storage;
(7)
Prescription refill information; and
(8)
Action to be taken in the event of a missed dose.
(b)
The offer to discuss may be made in the manner determined by the professional judgment of the pharmacist, which shall include either:
(1)
A face-to-face communication with the pharmacist; or
(2)
At least 2 of the following:
(i)
A sign posted so it can be seen by patients;
(ii)
A notation affixed to or written on the bag in which the prescription is to be dispensed;
(iii)
A notation contained on the prescription container; or
(iv)
Communication by telephone.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a pharmacist to provide consultation if the medical assistance recipient or caregiver refuses the consultation.
(d)
A pharmacist must make a reasonable effort to obtain, record, and maintain, at the individual pharmacy, at least the following information regarding a medical assistance recipient:
(1)
Name, address, telephone number, date of birth or age, and gender;
(2)
Individual history when significant, including disease state or states, known allergies and drug reactions, and a comprehensive list of medications and relevant devices; and
(3)
Pharmacist comments relevant to the individual’s drug therapy which may be recorded either manually or electronically in the patient’s profile.
(e)
This section shall apply only to medical assistance recipients presenting prescriptions for covered outpatient drugs.
(f)
The requirements of this section do not apply to refill prescriptions.
(g)
The Secretary, after consultation with the Maryland Pharmacists Association and the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores, shall adopt regulations in accordance with pharmacy practices in Maryland to implement the provisions of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-508 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–508LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a pharmacist may order a vaccination for or administer a vaccination to an individual who is at least 3 years old if:
(i)
The vaccine is:
(1)
An influenza vaccine;
(2)
A COVID–19 vaccine; or
(3)
Used in response to a public health emergency;
(ii)
The pharmacist has completed a practical training program of at least 20 hours that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and includes:
(1)
Hands–on injection techniques;
(2)
Clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications of vaccines; and
(3)
The recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines;
(iii)
The pharmacist has a current certificate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
(iv)
The pharmacist has completed a minimum of 2 hours of continuing pharmaceutical education related to immunizations that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as part of the license renewal requirements under § 12–309 of this title;
(v)
The pharmacist complies with the record–keeping and reporting requirements in paragraph (5) of this subsection and any corresponding regulations adopted by the Board; and
(vi)
If the vaccination is administered to an individual under the age of 18 years, or ordered for administration by an adult caregiver to an individual under the age of 18 years, the pharmacist informs the child vaccination patient and adult caregiver who is accompanying the child of the importance of well–child visits with a pediatric primary care provider and refers the patient to a pediatric primary care provider when appropriate.
(2)
Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a pharmacist who has met the requirement of paragraph (1)(ii) through (vi) of this subsection may administer to an individual who is at least 7 years old a vaccination that is:
(i)
Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices;
(ii)
Approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; or
(iii)
Recommended by the Secretary of Health in accordance with § 18–112 of the Health – General Article.
(3)
Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a pharmacist who has met the requirement of paragraph (1)(ii), (iii), and (iv) of this subsection may administer to an adult a vaccination that is recommended in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Health Information for International Travel.
(4)
A pharmacist shall administer a vaccination under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection under a written protocol that:
(i)
Is vaccine specific; and
(ii)
Meets criteria established by the Department, in consultation with the Board, the Board of Physicians, and the Board of Nursing, in regulation.
(5)
A pharmacist shall:
(i)
Report all vaccinations administered or ordered by the pharmacist to the ImmuNet Program established under § 18–109 of the Health – General Article;
(ii)
If the vaccination has been administered in accordance with a prescription, document at least one effort to inform the individual’s authorized prescriber that the vaccination has been administered; and
(iii)
Except for an influenza vaccination administered under paragraph (1) of this subsection, if the authorized prescriber is not the individual’s primary care provider or if the vaccination has not been administered in accordance with a prescription, document at least one effort to inform the individual’s primary care provider or other usual source of care that the vaccination has been administered.
(b)
The Board shall:
(1)
Set reasonable fees for the administration of vaccinations under this section; and
(2)
Adopt regulations that require a pharmacist to submit a registration form to the Board that includes verification that the pharmacist:
(i)
Has successfully completed a certification course approved by the Board; and
(ii)
Is certified in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation and obtained the certification through in–person classroom instruction.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-509 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–509LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In addition to the authority granted to a pharmacist under § 12–508 of this subtitle, a pharmacist, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board, may administer:
(1)
A self–administered drug to a patient that is prescribed by an authorized prescriber; and
(2)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a maintenance injectable medication or an injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection that is not a biological product to a patient:
(i)
That is prescribed by an authorized prescriber;
(ii)
In accordance with a standing order issued by an authorized public health official; or
(iii)
In accordance with a protocol under Subtitle 6A of this title.
(b)
A pharmacist may not administer an initial dose of a maintenance injectable medication product or an injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection under subsection (a)(2) of this section unless the pharmacist receives written approval from the prescriber.
(c)
(1)
On or before September 1, 2021, the Board, in consultation with the State Board of Physicians and the State Board of Nursing, shall adopt regulations establishing standard procedures:
(i)
For notifying a patient about payment for services before the pharmacist administers a maintenance injectable medication or an injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection;
(ii)
That a pharmacist must use to administer:
(1)
A maintenance injectable medication after an initial dose is administered by the prescriber; or
(2)
An injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection;
(iii)
That a pharmacist must use to administer an initial dose of a maintenance injectable medication or an injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection if the administration of the initial dose is authorized under subsection (b) of this section; and
(iv)
For communicating to the prescriber whether a medication was administered to a specific patient and relevant information about the patient’s condition.
(2)
The regulations shall require a pharmacist to:
(i)
Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, complete a training program approved by the Board for:
(1)
Administering maintenance injectable medications and injectable medications for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection; and
(2)
Managing the populations the pharmacist serves, the medications being administered, and the current guidelines relating to these populations and medications;
(ii)
Follow the standard procedures established by the Board; and
(iii)
After administering a maintenance injectable medication or an injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection:
(1)
Notify the prescriber that the maintenance injectable medication or injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection was administered and of any relevant details about the patient’s condition;
(2)
Provide the patient with a written record of the maintenance injectable medication or injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection administered;
(3)
Record in any electronic or written health record on the patient maintained by the pharmacist:
(A)
The administering of the maintenance injectable medication or injectable medication for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection; and
(B)
Any pertinent details about the patient’s condition; and
(4)
Notify the patient of the need to attend any upcoming appointments the patient has scheduled with the prescriber.
(3)
The regulations shall waive the requirement to complete a training program for a pharmacist who already has undergone the training as part of the pharmacist’s formal educational program.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-510 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–510LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a pharmacist may provide compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations without a patient–specific prescription to a licensed veterinarian who intends to dispense the compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations in accordance with § 2–313(c) of the Agriculture Article if the pharmacist:
(1)
Complies with USP 795 or USP 797, as applicable;
(2)
Labels the compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations with:
(i)
The name and strength of the compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations or a list of the active ingredients and the strength of the active ingredients in the compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations;
(ii)
An appropriate beyond–use date as determined by the pharmacist in accordance with USP–NF standards for pharmacy compounding;
(iii)
The quantity of compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations; and
(iv)
The name, address, and license number of the pharmacy; and
(3)
Complies with applicable federal law and regulations.
(b)
(1)
This subsection does not apply to dispensing compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations dispensed for a patient–specific prescription.
(2)
A pharmacy may not provide compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations compounded using bulk drug substances to a licensed veterinarian:
(i)
In an amount greater than 10% of the total amount of drug products sold or dispensed from the pharmacy; or
(ii)
If the compounded nonsterile preparations or compounded sterile preparations are copies or close approximations to products approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
(3)
For purposes of the limitation established in paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection:
(i)
The calculation shall be made on an annual basis and use the number of dosage units sold or dispensed; and
(ii)
For nonresident pharmacies, the total amount of drug products sold or dispensed shall be the pharmacy’s total business within the State.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-511 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–511LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “contraceptives” means contraceptive medications and self–administered contraceptive devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
(b)
A pharmacist who meets the requirements of the regulations adopted under this section may prescribe and dispense contraceptives.
(c)
(1)
On or before September 1, 2018, the Board, in consultation with the State Board of Physicians, the State Board of Nursing, the Maryland Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Maryland Pharmacists Association, the Maryland Affiliate of the American College of Nurse–Midwives, the Maryland Nurses Association, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores, and other interested health professional associations and stakeholders, shall adopt final regulations establishing:
(i)
Standard procedures that a pharmacist must use to select the appropriate contraceptive to prescribe for a patient or to refer the patient to a primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner for treatment; and
(ii)
The conditions under which a pharmacist may prescribe and dispense contraceptives.
(2)
The regulations shall require a pharmacist to:
(i)
Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, complete a training program approved by the Board for prescribing and dispensing contraceptives;
(ii)
Provide a self–screening risk assessment tool that a patient must use before a pharmacist may prescribe contraceptives for the patient;
(iii)
Follow the standard procedures established by the Board; and
(iv)
After prescribing and dispensing contraceptives for a patient:
(1)
Refer the patient for any additional care to:
(A)
The patient’s primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner; or
(B)
If the patient does not have a primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner, a family planning provider or a licensed clinician who provides reproductive health care services;
(2)
Provide the patient with:
(A)
A written record of the contraceptives dispensed; and
(B)
Written information about the importance of seeing the patient’s primary care practitioner or reproductive health care practitioner to obtain recommended tests and screenings;
(3)
Record the prescribing and dispensing of the contraceptives in any electronic health record maintained on the patient by the pharmacist; and
(4)
Provide the patient with a copy of the record of the encounter that includes the patient’s completed self–assessment tool and the contraceptive prescribed and dispensed or the basis for not prescribing and dispensing a contraceptive.
(3)
The regulations shall waive the requirement to complete a training program for a pharmacist who already has undergone the training as part of the pharmacist’s formal educational program.
(4)
The regulations shall prohibit a pharmacist from prescribing contraceptives before January 1, 2019.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-512 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–512LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “authorized prescriber” has the meaning stated in § 12–101 of this title.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
A controlled dangerous substance as defined in § 5–101 of the Criminal Law Article; or
(2)
The first prescription or change in a prescription for a drug that an authorized prescriber prescribes for a patient.
(c)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a pharmacist may dispense, in a single dispensing and exercising the professional judgment of the pharmacist, a quantity of a prescription drug that:
(1)
Is up to the total number of dosage units authorized by the prescriber on the original prescription and any refills of the prescription;
(2)
Except for a contraceptive dispensed on or after January 1, 2020, does not exceed a 90–day supply of the prescription drug; and
(3)
For a contraceptive dispensed on or after January 1, 2020, does not exceed a 12–month supply of the prescription drug.
(d)
A pharmacist may not dispense, in a single dose, a quantity of a prescription drug that exceeds the limit prescribed by a prescriber when the prescriber has indicated that the prescription be dispensed only as prescribed.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-513 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–513LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Before the closing of a pharmacy for more than 7 consecutive days, at least 14 days before the anticipated closing of the pharmacy, the owner of the pharmacy shall provide notice of the closing by:
(1)
Posting a notice:
(i)
That is conspicuously positioned in the pharmacy and readable by pharmacy customers; and
(ii)
If applicable, on the pharmacy’s website; and
(2)
Providing written and verbal notice to each customer who picks up a prescription or refill.
(b)
Each notice shall indicate:
(1)
The date of the anticipated closing of the pharmacy, if available;
(2)
The name of the pharmacy to which the closing pharmacy will transfer pharmacy customers’ prescriptions and records; and
(3)
That a pharmacy customer may request the closing pharmacy to send the pharmacy customer’s prescriptions and records to another pharmacy.
(c)
The Board shall adopt regulations to:
(1)
Define “closing of a pharmacy”; and
(2)
Provide exceptions to the requirements of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-514 (2026)
Title 12. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Subtitle 5. Practice of Pharmacy and Operation of Pharmacies
§ 12–514LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A pharmacist who meets the requirements of the regulations adopted under this section may prescribe and dispense nicotine replacement therapy medications.
(b)
(1)
On or before September 1, 2023, the Board shall adopt regulations establishing:
(i)
Standard procedures that a pharmacist shall use to:
(1)
Prescribe and dispense to a patient the appropriate nicotine replacement therapy medication; and
(2)
Refer the patient to a primary care practitioner for treatment; and
(ii)
The conditions under which a pharmacist may prescribe and dispense nicotine replacement therapy medication.
(2)
The regulations shall require a pharmacist to:
(i)
Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, complete a training program approved by the Board for prescribing and dispensing nicotine replacement therapy medication;
(ii)
Follow the standard procedures established by the Board; and
(iii)
After prescribing and dispensing to a patient nicotine replacement therapy medication:
(1)
Refer the patient for any additional care to the patient’s primary care practitioner;
(2)
Provide the patient with:
(A)
A written record of the nicotine replacement therapy medication dispensed; and
(B)
Information on the importance of the patient seeing the patient’s primary care practitioner; and
(3)
Record the prescribing and dispensing of the nicotine replacement therapy medication in any electronic health record maintained for the patient by the pharmacist.
(3)
The regulations shall waive the requirement to complete the training program under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection for a pharmacist who already has undergone the training as part of the pharmacist’s formal educational program.