DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected:IC
25-26-13-16.1.
Synopsis: Pharmacist's conscience clause. Provides that a
pharmacist is not required to perform an act or to refrain from performing
an act that the pharmacist objects to on the basis of: (1) professional
duty; or (2) a matter of conscience on ethical, moral, or religious grounds.
Provides that a pharmacist's refusal to act or to refrain from performing an
act may not be used as the basis for the following: (1) A claim for damages
against the pharmacist or the pharmacy where the pharmacist works. (2) A
disciplinary, recriminatory, or discriminatory action against the
pharmacist.
Effective: July 1, 1999.
Sponsors: Welch,
Atterholt, Dobis, Thompson
First Reading: January 26, 1999. Referred to Committee on
Public Policy, Ethics and Veterans Affairs.
Introduced: First Regular Session 111th General Assembly
(1999)
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
professions and occupations.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SECTION 1.IC
25-26-13-16.1IS
ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS
FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1999]:
Sec. 16.1. (a) A pharmacist is not required to perform or
refrain from performing any act in the normal course of the practice of
pharmacy if performing the act or refraining from performing the act would
cause the pharmacist to object on the basis of:
(1) professional duty; or
(2) a matter of conscience on ethical, moral, or religious grounds.
(b) A refusal to act or to refrain from performing an act under this section
may not be used as the basis for any of the following:
(1) A claim for damages against:
(A) the pharmacist; or
(B) the pharmacy where the pharmacist works.
(2) A disciplinary, recriminatory, or discriminatory action against the
pharmacist.