Senate sends bill expanding access to sterile hypodermic syringes, needles to Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — People will soon have easier access to sterile hypodermic needles and syringes thanks to a bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk.

This plan requires pharmacists to sell sterile hypodermic syringes and needles if they are in stock. Sponsors said pharmacists would be able to use their professional judgement to sell the equipment to any customer for proper utilization or administration of medications.

The proposal was filed after a constituent was unable to receive the medical 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 Thursday. It previously gained unanimous support in the House.