Rogue Pharmacists Attack Patients’ Rights
With shocking disregard for patients’ health, today a group of pharmacists sued the state over two Pharmacy Board rules, WAC 246-869-010 and WAC 246-863-095, which require pharmacists to fill prescriptions for stocked medication on-site, and ensure that all patients are treated professionally and respectfully. “The argument that pharmacists should be allowed to deny patients access to needed medications based solely on their personal beliefs is completely without merit,” said Karen Cooper, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. “That is why the Pharmacy Board unanimously passed these two rules that expressly protect patients’ rights to access the medication they need without hassle or delay.” “These rules are necessary precisely because of pharmacists like the plaintiffs in this suit,” Cooper added. “Patient access to appropriate care should not be undermined by personal, non-medical judgments.” The new rules provide important protection for patients’ access to birth control, including Plan B®, a higher dose of the regular birth control pill. “Women need to access contraception in a timely manner in order to make responsible decisions about their reproductive health,” Cooper said. “I am extremely disappointed that the plaintiffs would put their own opinions above their patients’ health,” Cooper added. # # #
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