Nevada pharmacy
board delays conscience clause decision

The Nevada state pharmacy board late last week voted to extend to December 8 the debate over a proposed "conscience clause" that would outline pharmacists' rights to refuse to dispense medicines on moral grounds. The board is examining whether pharmacists can refuse to fill prescriptions they find morally objectionable and, if so, what the process would be for having the prescription filled. Currently, Nevada law and the board's regulations are silent on the issue. Board executive director Larry Pinson said he has not received complaints about patients being denied prescriptions, but he wants to be proactive in drafting the rule before that occurs. Some AIDS activists worry that pharmacists may discriminate against HIV patients and refuse to fill prescriptions for their lifesaving drugs if the measure is approved. (AP, with additional reporting by Advocate.com)