Implementation of the new state law that requires security prescription forms to have a uniquely serialized number law will be postponed, thanks to a legislative fix heading to Governor Newsom’s desk. Flawed implementation this past January caused mass confusion, leaving pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions and patients being refused necessary medications.

The California Legislature on Thursday passed AB 149 (Assemblymembers Cooper, Arambula and Low) to postpone implementation of the new law, which was intended to improve the security of physician prescription pads as a solution to the opioid crisis. This bill will delay the serialization requirement to a date that will be determined by the Department of Justice that is no later than January 1, 2020.

The bill will also establish a transition period, making any prescription written on a prescription form that was otherwise valid prior to January 1, 2019, a valid prescription that may be filled, compounded, or dispensed until January 1, 2021.

Governor Newsom is expected to sign the bill.