States That Adopted Less Restrictive Telepharmacy Policies Had 4.5% Fewer Pharmacy Deserts

Within a year of policy implementation, states that adopted or updated telepharmacy statutes and regulations to be less restrictive had 4.5% fewer geographic areas considered “pharmacy deserts” because they are at least 10 miles from the nearest retail pharmacy. Less restrictive telepharmacy regulations also reduced the percentage of consumers living in pharmacy deserts by 11.1%.

While a viable alternative to traditional pharmacies, telepharmacies are often restricted in states: many Boards of Pharmacy do not permit the practice or place severe restrictions in policy which limit the utilization, potentially affecting consumers regardless of their location. Such limitations include restrictions . . .