Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: January 20, 2005
Contact: Robert Marshall, PhD 222-1017

Canadian Pharmacy Applications Available On-line

Go To www.health.ri.gov.

Providence: The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) posted the application for Non-Resident (Canadian) Pharmacies on-line today, as planned. The application is available through the HEALTH homepage: www.health.ri.gov or directly at:

http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/professions/
apps/PharmacyNonResCanada.pdf .

On July 5, 2004, the RI General Assembly passed Public Law 04-364, which required HEALTH to establish a program for licensing Canadian pharmacies by January 15, 2005. Following a public hearing on December 30, 2004, HEALTH filed revised regulations with the Secretary of State, which enabled Canadian pharmacies to apply for a license to operate in the state as non-resident pharmacies.

“So far, only two Canadian pharmacies have expressed any interest,” said Donald C. Williams, Associate Director for Health Services Regulation. “The regulations took effect yesterday, and we offered ‘next-day service’ for pharmacies who may have called for an application. None did. By placing it on the HEALTH website, we can make it available immediately.”

Rhode Island is the first state to implement a general licensing program for Canadian pharmacies. HEALTH will continue to work closely with all concerned parties to address any safety issues.