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CANHR Advocate Did You Know Articles

Nursing facilities cannot force residents to buy medications from a specific pharmacy.

  • California Health & Safety Code §1320 states that nursing facilities “shall not require patients to purchase drugs, or rent or purchase medical supplies or equipment, from any particular pharmacy or other source.”
  • §1569.314 is the equivalent law for residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE’s).
  • What facilities can require is that residents and pharmacies comply with medication policies and procedures reasonably necessary for patient care or compliance with regulations.
  • If facilities persist in refusing medication purchases from outside pharmacies, file a complaint with your local Licensing office or call CANHR at (800) 474-1116.