Pharmacist Prescribing Authority for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder is Heard in Both Chambers

March 26, 2026

State legislation that would allow trained Minnesota pharmacists to independently prescribe buprenorphine, one of three medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), has passed its first hurdle toward passage. 

To move forward this session, bills need to be heard by committees by March 27. On March 24, SF 4486 (Hoffman, DFL – Champlin) was heard before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. On March 25, its companion, HF 4493 (Baker, R – Willmar) was heard in the House Health Finance and Policy Committee 

By expanding pharmacists’ prescribing authority for buprenorphine, the bill aims to increase access to MOUD, particularly in underserved and rural communities where timely access to other prescribing providers may be limited. 

Currently, pharmacists can only prescribe buprenorphine in Minnesota through a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) – a formal contract with a physician. Under CPAs, the physician stipulates the rules (e.g., inclusion criteria, doses, availability for consults, compliance with state and federal laws, etc.) and assumes liability. 

Pharmacist representatives report several anecdotes from across the state in which physicians have been uncomfortable issuing CPAs for buprenorphine, citing limited expertise, constantly changing clinical guidelines, and liability concerns (i.e., because, under a CPA, the physician and their license are liable). This bill aims to increase access to buprenorphine by allowing pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine without CPAs, so long as the pharmacists complete an 8-hour, federally mandated training on MOUD. 

Robert “Cole” Pueringer, MD, a medical toxicologist and internist at Essentia Health, and member of the MMA Board of Trustees, testified in support of SF 4486. “In greater Minnesota, our options are limited. There are only three methadone clinics north of the Twin Cities. We are reliant on buprenorphine, but we are limited to providers who are comfortable prescribing the medication in clinics. This is insufficient for patients in rural Minnesota. Allowing pharmacists to prescribe buprenorphine would substantially expand access for patients in need.” 

The MMA submitted a letter of support, emphasizing that demand for opioid use disorder treatment in Minnesota remains high, and that expanding access points is critical to improving patient outcomes. 

SF 4486 was included in the Senate scope omnibus bill on March 26. House companion, HF 4493, was recommended to be placed on the general register.