Minnesota Senate approves ban on Internet prescriptions

ST. PAUL, Minn. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Senate unanimously approved a bill called “Justin’s Bill,” which would make it more difficult to purchase addictive prescriptions drugs over the Internet, according to published reports.

The proposed law, created in response to the 2006 prescription drug overdose of Justin Pearson, would require a face-to-face visit between a patient and doctor prescribing the medication. It would also prohibit pharmacies from filling prescriptions they know are not based on a legitimate medical relationship.

Pharmacies that violate the law could see their licenses suspended or revoked and face misdemeanor charges at the state level.

The bill will most likely be passed by the House of Representatives after the legislature’s Easter break.