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California Pharmacy Law Updates for 2025

You may have seen last year’s post on California Pharmacy Law Updates for 2024 and 2025. Now that some of the new 2025 laws are just around the corner, we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few key changes to keep them top of mind as they begin to take effect. 

Pharmacy law in California is constantly evolving, and staying compliant with new regulations is key to keeping your pharmacy running smoothly. Having a lawyer on retainer can help protect your healthcare business from potential legal issues tied to outdated information or misinterpretation of the law. 

Below, our experienced pharmaceutical lawyers break down the most noteworthy changes to the Business and Professions Code. To view the full list of updates, click here. 

Prescription Drug Labels: Accessibility – Section 4076.8

A new law requires pharmacies to make prescription drug labels accessible for people who are blind, have low vision, or cannot read print. If a person requests it, the pharmacy must provide an accessible label at no extra cost. 

The labels must:

• Be ready in a timely manner, just like for any other patient. 
• Match the person’s disability and language needs — this could be audible labels, large print, Braille, or translated instructions.
• Follow national standards for accessibility and cultural/linguistic appropriateness.  

If the label does not fit on the prescription container, the pharmacy must give the patient a separate, accessible document with the same information.

This law does not apply to medications given and administered directly by certain institutions, like hospitals or prisons, except when the medication is for someone being released. It also does not apply to prescriptions from veterinarians. 

Schedule II Controlled Substances in Clinics – Section 4184

Previously, California law had a blanket ban on clinics dispensing Schedule II controlled substances (i.e., strong painkillers or opioids) — meaning clinics were strictly prohibited from dispensing these drugs. Now, specific conditions allow for limited exceptions. 

A registered clinic practitioner can dispense a Schedule II narcotic to treat acute withdrawal symptoms, but only temporarily while arranging proper follow-up treatment. This must comply with Section 1306.07(b) of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

If a narcotic is dispensed under this exception, the clinic must:

• Follow California’s labeling, recordkeeping, and packaging laws (including childproof containers).
• Ensure a physician, pharmacist, or authorized professional handles the dispensing of the drug. 
• Create and follow policies for: assessing if the patient can safely self-administer the drug; evaluating how suitable they are for opioid use disorder treatment; connecting them to ongoing care; and preventing repeated use of withdrawal medications without the right follow-up procedures.

Clinics must also have the proper licensing and registration, and maintain secure storage and inventory tracking to prevent loss or misuse.

Grocery and Pharmacy Establishment Closures – Section 22949.92

This new 2025 pharmaceutical law in California requires certain grocery stores and pharmacies in California to follow strict guidelines when preparing to shut down. The goal is to make sure employees, patients, and communities are given enough notice before the establishment closes. 

Section 22949.92 applies to grocery stores that mainly sell food and are not part of a larger healthcare system. It also applies to pharmacies that are open to the public. These pharmacies are not owned by hospitals or part of a system like Kaiser Permanente.

Under this law, covered establishments must:

• Provide at least 45 days’ notice (or 30 days for very small businesses), including written notice to employees, state agencies, local officials, and the California Board of Pharmacy (if applicable). 
• Post a visible notice at the store or pharmacy entrance stating the planned closing date.
• For pharmacies, clearly explain how and where prescriptions will be transferred.
• Notify the public through a regular communication method (i.e., email, website, signage). 

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $10,000 per closure, $100 per day in damages for affected employees, and attorneys’ fees and legal costs. Connecting with our pharmaceutical law firm can help prevent legal issues and ensure your healthcare practice is well-informed.

Health Care Service Plans Coverage of Medication-Assisted Treatment – Section 1342.75

Section 1342.75 of the Health and Safety Code is a new 2025 addition to California pharmacy law. This code requires healthcare service plans to cover at least one FDA-approved drug in each category — without requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or other delays. 

The required categories of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders include:

• A drug to reverse opioid overdose (like naloxone).
• A daily oral medication for detox or maintenance (like buprenorphine).
• A long-acting buprenorphine product.
• A long-acting injectable naltrexone product. 

Health plans can still choose generic or interchangeable versions to meet these requirements. 

Speak to a Leading Pharmaceutical Lawyer

California pharmacy laws are constantly changing. While we have summarized some major changes, there are several more to be aware of — each with specific legal outlines, context, and limitations. Reach out to an experienced healthcare law lawyer for a deeper understanding of the 2025 pharmacy law updates and how they might affect you or your practice. 

Fenton Jurkowitz Law Group has a team of seasoned healthcare lawyers and pharmaceutical attorneys who can help you understand relevant pharmacy law changes. We recognize the importance of preserving your reputation, maintaining operational continuity, and complying with healthcare regulations.

Fill out our contact form on our website today to connect with a healthcare practice attorney at our pharmaceutical law firm.