May 16, 2002

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 418 - Health Occupations - State Board of Pharmacy - Sunset Extension.

This bill extends the sunset date for the State Board of Pharmacy to July 1, 2013 and requires another sunset evaluation on or before July 1, 2012. The bill eliminates the requirement for a State pharmaceutical manufacturing permit and establishes that any pharmacy with a State permit must be inspected annually. It also limits discovery and admissibility of evidence by including a committee or individual designated by a pharmacy permit holder to evaluate and improve health care, evaluate its performance and act on disciplinary matters in the definition of a medical review committee.

House Bill 462, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 418.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor