BISMARCK - A bill that would allow chain retailers like Walmart and Target to open pharmacies in the state is up for debate on Tuesday.
House Bill 1434 deletes wording in North Dakota law that requires pharmacies to be majority-owned by pharmacists licensed in the state.
The bill hearing is scheduled for 8 a.m. in the Brynhild Haugland Room in the state Capitol.
Bill sponsor Rep. Thomas Beadle, R-Fargo, called the legislation "a consumer bill," saying competition is good for prices and provides more options.
Brad Morrison of Market Pharmacy in Minot, however, wants to keep the current law as is.
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"It's my feeling that the patient care is improved when the owner/manager has a pharmacist's perspective," he said.
The same issue came up during the 2009 Legislature and failed to make it on the 2010 ballot due to a flaw in the way petitions were circulated. North Dakota is the only state in the nation with this law.
Beadle said he isn't pushing the bill on behalf of big business. He said he's doing it for the more than 40 constituents who asked him to change the pharmacy law when he was campaigning.
"This is purely a consumer-driven initiative this time around because they recognize the need for it," Beadle said.
Supporters and opponents won't have to wait long to see how the House responds to the bill. All bills must go to a floor vote within the next two weeks.
Teri Finneman is a multimedia reporter for Forum Communications Co.
