(January 12, 2012) Legislation requiring individuals to get a prescription for Pseudophedrine (PSE) products that now are sold over-the-counter, failed to pass the Senate Health Committee yesterday.
SB 315 (Wright; D-Inglewood) was opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce and other groups, who pointed out that it not only would create inconvenience for consumers, but also increase the cost of health care for Californians.
The products that are the subject of this bill are commonly used to treat sinus congestion and manage cold symptoms.
Video Highlights Objections
The day of the Senate committee hearing, the CalChamber released a CalChamber News segment highlighting problems with SB 315.
In the piece, consumers complain that, if enacted, the requirements in this bill would be a major inconvenience and are ridiculous. The pharmacist discusses the fact that it could result in higher costs and reduced access.
CalChamber Policy Advocate Marti Fisher points out that the bill is likely to require more out-of-pocket expense for consumers.
“A lot of doctors are reluctant to provide a prescription to a patient without seeing them first,” said Fisher. “And there’s generally a co-pay associated with going to your doctor, as well as a co-pay for a prescription product.”
Comments in the video were similar to the objections raised by opponents of SB 315 at the Senate committee hearing.
While acknowledging that methamphetamine is a real problem in California, the CalChamber believes SB 315 is not the best solution. According to Fisher, a better alternative is an electronic tracking system already in use by 19 other states to monitor sales.
Current law already requires retailers to restrict the quantity sold and to record information about purchasers of PSE in order to prevent illegal diversion to methamphetamine production.
Key Vote
SB 315 failed to pass the Senate Health Committee on a vote of 2-2:
Ayes: De León (D-Los Angeles), DeSaulnier (D-Concord).
Noes: Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo), Hernandez (D-West Covina).
Absent/abstaining/not voting: Anderson (R-El Cajon), Alquist (D-Santa Clara), Rubio (D-East Bakersfield), Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), Wolk (D-Davis).
The bill was granted reconsideration.
Staff Contact: Marti Fisher