TESTIMONY OF THE MAINE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

IN SUPPORT OF

L.D. 37, AN ACT TO ALLOW FOR THE SALE OF NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS THROUGH VENDING MACHINES

Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement & Commerce
Room 202, Cross State Office Building, Augusta, Maine
Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 1 p.m.

Good Afternoon Senator Herbig, Representative Larsen-Daughtry, & Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement & Commerce.  I am Andrew MacLean, Interim CEO of the Maine Medical Association (MMA), and I am here to speak in favor of L.D. 37. 

The MMA is a professional organization representing more than 4300 physicians, residents, and medical students in Maine whose mission is to support Maine physicians, advance the quality of medicine in Maine, and promote the health of all Maine citizens.

The MMA supports this effort to improve access to non-prescription medications, those that would be available “over-the-counter,” when a pharmacy is open.  While I understand that the focus of discussion about this bill will be on women’s reproductive health care, this amendment to the Maine Pharmacy Act would also improve access to non-prescription painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, or a medication such as Benadryl for an acute allergic reaction. 

Regarding the women’s reproductive health care aspect of the bill, the MMA has long supported strong public health efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies, including emergency contraception, and L.D. 37 is consistent with those efforts.  I will leave it to others to address the details of emergency contraception, but I do want to emphasize that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and should be distinguished from medical abortion.

Thank you for considering the MMA’s views on L.D. 37 and I would be happy to respond to any questions you may have.