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March 5, 2013

Senate approved Safe Compounding Act

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — By a vote of 42-0, the full Senate has approved my proposal to ensure that out-of-state compounding pharmacies doing business in Oklahoma are held to high standards of safety.

The Safe Compounding Act will require out-of-state compounding pharmacies that deliver, dispense or distribute prescription drugs in Oklahoma to submit an affidavit and pharmacy site inspection form to receive a license.

I was compelled to author this bill after learning about a tragic story in Massachusetts where a compounding pharmacy was linked to hundreds of cases of fungal meningitis and 23 deaths. Just four of 37 similar specialty pharmacies were able to pass surprise health inspections shortly after the story broke.

Under this bill, the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy will be able to oversee pharmacies in other states that may not operate by the same stringent standards that ours do. 

A number of additional bills I have authored will soon be heard by the full Senate after having been approved by committees. Senate Bill 263 will allow University of Oklahoma police officers to retain ownership of their sidearm and badge upon their retirement, with the written approval of the proper authorities.

SB 519 will ensure market fairness for Oklahoma contractors who play by the rules. The bill requires contractors to use workers who are covered under Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system. I am honored to be working with Sen. Dan Newberry on this important reform, as we expand on his previous legislative accomplishments.

SB 1056, the Health Professional Services Acquisition Act, will level the playing field for health professional service providers. SB 667 bans the use of welfare cash cards at strip clubs, liquor stores and casinos.

SB 959 will allow law enforcement to gather information regarding whether those arrested on drug charges are also receiving public assistance. I want to help ensure that public assistance is ultimately being used where it is most needed — by families and children in need. If these funds are diverted to subsidize harmful habits, they cannot serve their purpose and provide the safety net they were designed to be. 

SB 961 would require divorcing couples with minor children to undergo counseling during a 90-day “cooling down” period after a divorce petition is filed.

SB 900 requires that hospices be investigated and surveyed every three years to be in accordance with the provisions of the Oklahoma Hospice Licensing Act.

State Sen. Rob Standridge represents District 15.

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