SB 320: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 AND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PHARMACY AND PHARMACISTS.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This Act modernizes Delaware’s pharmacy practice laws by authorizing pharmacists to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Pharmacists have the expertise necessary to provide patient care beyond what current Delaware law allows, and enabling them to do so is an important step toward expanding access to health care in this State. Under this Act, pharmacists are permitted to independently evaluate patients, identify health conditions, order and prescribe laboratory tests, and prescribe drugs or devices without reliance on statewide protocols, formularies, or specified lists of conditions. Pharmacists may not prescribe controlled substances, with the exception of medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, which pharmacists may only prescribe under a standing order from the Division of Public Health. In order to enable pharmacists to prescribe medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder under a standing order, this Act also amends the Uniform Controlled Susbstances Act in Chapter 47 of Title 16 to include “pharmacist” in the definition of “practitioner.” To ensure continuity of care, this Act also establishes requirements for documentation of treatment and communication with primary care providers. This Act takes effect immediately, but implementation is delayed by up to 1 year to give the Board of Pharmacy time to implement necessary regulations. This Act does not affect current law regarding the use of statewide protocols, standing orders, or collaborative practice agreements. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. July 29, 2026Signed by Governor
2. June 25, 2026Passed By House. Votes: 27 YES 12 NO 2 ABSENT
3. June 17, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 10 On Its Merits
4. June 11, 2026Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
5. June 11, 2026Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENT
6. June 11, 2026Amendment SA 2 to SB 320 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
7. June 11, 2026Amendment SA 1 to SB 320 - Stricken in Senate
8. June 10, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
9. June 8, 2026Amendment SA 2 to SB 320 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
10. June 4, 2026Amendment SA 1 to SB 320 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
11. May 14, 2026Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate