AUGUSTA - Last week, the Maine House of Representatives unanimously enacted LD 1615, sponsored by Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, which would expand Mainers' access to safe, nonprescription medications like Advil or DayQuil.
Terry's bill would amend a law that she introduced in 2019 that permitted the sale of nonprescription medication in vending machines. That law includes a provision capping the number of medications that can be sold at a single location to 12 different drugs. LD 1615 would remove that cap.
"The goal of the 2019 law was to improve access to safe, over-the-counter drugs for folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to get them and to help companies expand to locations where there isn't enough business to afford a brick-and-mortar store," said Terry. "The 12-medication cap has proven to be an arbitrary and unnecessary limit. By removing this, we will enable more Mainers to access the medications they need and create more opportunities for businesses across the state."
The bill faces additional votes in the Legislature.
Terry, who represents part of Gorham, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and serves as the House Majority Leader. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Terry], 305-965-2744