'Remote' pharmacies bill OK'd by Michigan Legislature

People could pick up prescriptions at Michigan pharmacies that are not staffed by an on-site pharmacist under a bill that has cleared the Legislature and will go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. The measure would allow for "remote" pharmacies, which proponents support as a way to expand access to pharmacy services in rural and underserved areas. Pharmacists at "parent" pharmacies" could use real-time audio and video computer equipment to review a prescription before it is dispensed by pharmacy technicians. The bill won final approval on a 32-5 vote in the Republican-led Senate on Wednesday, with some Democrats opposed.