Patients in Illinois may soon see changes in how prescriptions are handled when medications are out of stock.

The Illinois Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 3213 (SB 3213), a measure aimed at expanding the ability of pharmacies to transfer prescriptions to other locations.

The legislation was introduced by Illinois State Senator Steve McClure.

Under current state law, certain prescriptions cannot be transferred between pharmacies as easily as federal guidelines allow.

This could cause issues, potentially even life-threatening, if, for any reason, a vital medication could not be acquired due to a lack of stock and the inability to transfer.

Supporters of the bill say this can create challenges for patients when medications are unavailable at their usual pharmacy, sometimes requiring a new prescription from a doctor.

SB 3213 would move Illinois law closer to matching federal standards, allowing a broader range of prescriptions to be electronically transferred between pharmacies.

Those in support of SB 3213 argue that this could streamline the process for patients trying to obtain medications during shortages or supply issues.

According to McClure, the proposal was prompted by concerns raised by a constituent who works as a physician.

The bill now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.

For more information on the bills being run through the Senate or the House, go to ilga.gov.