Governor Newsom Signs Assemblyman Tri Ta’s AB 1587 to Protect Patients with Life-Threatening Conditions
SACRAMENTO— Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster) today announced that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1587, bipartisan legislation that helps ensure Californians with life-threatening medical conditions do not face dangerous interruptions in their medication when they are unable to obtain a timely prescription renewal.
Under existing law, pharmacists may provide emergency refills in limited circumstances. AB 1587 expands that authority by allowing pharmacists to furnish up to a 30-day supply of medication for patients with life-threatening conditions when the pharmacy has previously dispensed the medication to the patient and the patient cannot obtain a new prescription before running out.
AB 1587 addresses situations in which a patient temporarily loses access to their prescribing physician—such as when a doctor is on vacation, retires, relocates, or is otherwise unavailable—helping ensure treatment is not interrupted while the patient establishes care to get the help they need.
“No Californian should have to worry about running out of a life-saving medication because they couldn’t reach their doctor in time,” said Assemblyman Tri Ta. “AB 1587 is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that puts patients first while giving pharmacists the tools they need to prevent dangerous gaps in treatment. This law will help protect some of our state’s most vulnerable residents when every day, and every dose, matters.”
The legislation also provides liability protection for pharmacists acting in accordance with the law and defines “life-threatening” under existing state law.
AB 1587 received unanimous bipartisan support throughout the legislative process before being signed into law by Governor Newsom.
“This is the type of legislation that brings people together,” Ta said. “I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the pharmacy community, patient advocates, and Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of ensuring continuity of care for Californians who depend on these medications.”
The new law will take effect on January 1, 2027.
What They’re Saying
Tim Scott, President and CEO of Biocom
“Every Californian deserves uninterrupted access to the medications they depend on,” said Tim Scott, President and CEO of Biocom. “We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 1587 into law and to Assemblymember Ta for championing this thoughtful, patient-centered legislation. By strengthening communication between pharmacists and prescribers while preserving timely access to needed prescriptions, this bill represents a meaningful step forward in protecting patient care across California.”
Janice Bailey, Executive Director of the California Senior Legislature
The California Senior Legislature applauds AB 1587 for helping ensure that older Californians do not lose access to life-saving medications simply because they temporarily lose access to a physician. This common-sense measure protects continuity of care, prevents unnecessary health crises, and provides peace of mind for seniors and their families across the Golden State.
Jennifer Courtney, Pharm.D, President of the California Pharmacists Association
“AB 1587 is a practical, patient-centered improvement that recognizes pharmacists as the medication experts and empowers them to use their clinical judgment to ensure Californians do not experience dangerous interruptions in therapy simply because a prescriber cannot be immediately reached or identified,” said CPhA President Jennifer Courtney, Pharm.D. “Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare providers, making them uniquely positioned to assess each patient’s individual circumstances and authorize an appropriate emergency refill when clinically warranted. AB 1587 helps maintain continuity of care, prevents unnecessary lapses in treatment, and reduces avoidable visits to urgent care centers and emergency departments simply to obtain a prescription refill. It not only improves patient outcomes but also lowers unnecessary healthcare costs and makes better use of healthcare resources. Ultimately, this is a win for patients, improving continuity of care while protecting access to essential medications.”
California Access Coalition Executive Director, Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey
CAC applauds Governor Gavin Newsom for signing Assembly Bill 1587 (Ta, 2026) into law. CAC members provide pharmacy services to thousands of Californians every day, including individuals living with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, and other vulnerable populations who cannot afford unnecessary interruptions in their medications. CAC was proud to support AB 1587 which removes an administrative hurdle that offered little benefit to patient care while preserving the safeguards that matter most. By allowing pharmacists to focus on ensuring timely access to medically necessary medications rather than attempting to notify an unidentified prescriber, this law supports continuity of care, reduces unnecessary delays, and helps patients remain stable in their treatment. We thank Assemblymember Ta and Governor Newsom for advancing a practical, bipartisan solution that strengthens California’s healthcare system and recognizes the critical role pharmacists play in keeping our communities healthy.”