Statement from Governor Gregoire on Federal Judge Suspending Pharmacy Board Rule

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2007

Governor Chris Gregoire today reaffirmed her support of the state�s rule requiring pharmacists to dispense medicines prescribed by a physician.

�I am very disappointed in the federal court�s decision suspending the state requirement that pharmacies dispense prescriptions that are written by a doctor,� said Governor Gregoire. �This is about private medical decisions between patients and their physicians and pharmacies filling doctor prescribed medications.

�While this court decision weakens protections for victims of sexual assault, and interferes with a women�s right to choose, it also allows any patient to be denied their medication for no apparent reason.

�Third parties should not come between doctors and patients in medical decisions. This is about the right of personal privacy and medical access.�

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