California county
approves needle-sale measure

Lawmakers in San Mateo County, Calif., have approved a resolution that will allow pharmacies in the county to sell up to 10 hypodermic needles to buyers without a prescription, the San Mateo County Times reports. The measure will allow pharmacists that wish to participate in the needle-sale program to legally sell needles through the end of 2010; it will not require county pharmacies to participate in the program if they choose not to. Needles will be available for purchase for between $1 and $2 each at participating pharmacies. The county currently operates needle-exchange programs in East Palo Alto and Redwood City.