Calif. Senate passes information-sharing bill

SAN FRANCISCO California’s state Senate approved a bill Thursday that would allow pharmacists to share patients’ records with drug makers.

Under the bill, pharmacies would receive fees to send prescription information to drug makers or firms contracting with them. The drug makers or contracting firms would then send mailings to patients.

Proponents of the bill say that it is meant to remind patients to take their medications and refill prescriptions. Opponents say it is an invasion of privacy and could pose dangers to patients who receive mailings with information inconsistent with that provided by their doctors and pharmacists, especially people with mental illnesses.

The bill passed the Senate 21-16 and now moves to the Assembly, which is adjourned until June 5.