SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will allow people to have easier access to sterile hypodermic needles and syringes.
The law will require pharmacies to sell sterile syringes and needles to patients with prescriptions if they are in stock. Sponsors said pharmacists will be able to use their professional judgement to sell the equipment to any customer for proper administration of medications.
This plan was filed after a constituent was unable to receive the equipment from their pharmacist.
"This legislation is necessary for those who are looking to access syringes or needles and are not able to access them through venues they would normally go to that are not pharmacies," said Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). "We did something similar a couple years ago when we passed legislation to make PrEP and PEP access available through pharmacies under a standing order."
House Bill 2589 passed out of the Senate on a 50-6 vote and received unanimous support in the House. The new law will take effect January 1.
"By increasing access to sterile syringes, we're reducing harm and saving lives," Simmons said. "This will empower pharmacists to serve their patients more directly."
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