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CANHR Advocate Did You Know Articles

You have the right to choose your own pharmacy

  • 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, call CANHR at (800) 474-1116, and file a complaint with your local Licensing office.