Wisconsin Governor Doyle Signs Bills Into Law to Expand Access to Health Care

March 31, 2008 -- MARSHFIELD – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today signed two bills into law that expand access to health care and the outreach of pharmacists in Wisconsin.

“The two bills I signed today will move Wisconsin forward as a national health care leader,” Governor Doyle said. “SB 409 removes barriers for pharmacists, expanding access to prescription medications for some of the neediest residents of our state – those who lack access to comprehensive medical services.”

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Governor Doyle signed into law the following two bills:

Senate Bill 48 expands protections for licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who serve as volunteer health providers. This bill extends protection from liability to pharmacists who volunteer to administer critical prescription drugs to patients in times of emergency.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Robson and Roessler, and Representatives Vukmir and Benedict for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 409 allows pharmacists to dispense a prescribed drug or device at a health care facility or correctional facility that does not have a licensed pharmacy. This bill will make it easier for pharmacists to dispense high-quality services in remote areas of the state.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Breske and Roessler, and Representatives Montgomery and Soletski for their work on the bill.

The Governor was joined by physicians and staff at the Marshfield Clinic for the signing. Marshfield Clinic is a premier health care organization that serves residents throughout central, western, and northern Wisconsin. Nearly 800 physicians practice in over 40 centers – covering approximately 40,000 square miles in North Central Wisconsin. In addition, the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation is advancing critical research in public health and healthcare.

Source: Wisconsin Governor